Now Hear This: Recent Episodes

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Spirits in The NightTracklist:

1. Frank Zappa: “Theme from “Bonanza””
2. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band: “Spirits in the Night”
3. Electric Light Orchestra: “Boy Blue”
4. B.B. King: “How Blue Can You Get”
5. Rickie Lee Jones: “Danny’s All-Star Joint”
6. Richard Thompson: “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”
7. Steve Winwood: “What’s Goin’ On”
8. Paul Simon: “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (Live at the Beacon Theatre, NYC)”
9. John Mayall’s Blues Breakers: “Room to Move”
10. Alex Chilton: “Il Riebelle”
11. The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire): “Dominique”
12. The Delta Rhythm Boys: “Allouette”
13. Paul Simon: “Surfer Girl”
14. Brian Wilson: “Wanderlust”
15. Paul and Linda McCartney: “The Back Seat of My Car”
16. Led Zeppelin: “Nobody’s Fault but Mine”
17. Juice Newton: “Queen of Hearts”
18. Led Zeppelin: “Living Loving Maid” Please Leave a Comment!



Frank Zappa: “Theme from “Bonanza”” Play this track

A bit of cultural comedy with a wink from Frank and the band. -John Stix

And why not? -Rock Stamberg

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band: “Spirits in the Night” Play this track

I loved this take the first time I heard it back in the ‘70s. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band regularly commandeered decidedly non-rock songs and did their thing to ‘em, in this case by turning Bruce Springsteen’s early epic into a unique prog/rock/spacey jam with disparate elements abounding. Complicated, cool and fun. -RS

An early supporter of Springsteen, Manfred Mann turned up the drama and cinematic elements, dipping this track into a blues guitar meets Meat Loaf flavor. -JS

Electric Light Orchestra: “Boy Blue” Play this track

Early ELO were serious about the “Orchestra’ part. Who else would marry a bona-fide classical intro to a rockin’ Chuck Berry-esque barn burner? And it rocks, alright. -RS

Indicative of classic ELO, one bit classical, one bit pop, and two bits good old rock ‘n roll. -JS

B.B. King: “How Blue Can You Get” Play this track

The two Blues Brothers movies succeeded time and time again in presenting the originators of blues and soul in inspired settings to showcase their talents. This is just such a performance. I rate this the finest pass the mic performance on film. The guests in order of their performance/appearance include, Eric Clapton, Charlie Musselwhite, Erykah Badu, Jack DeJohnette, Travis Tritt, Jeff Baxter, Koko Taylor, Steve Winwood, Billy Preston, Lou Rawls, Grover Washington Jr, Clarence Clemmons, Joshua Redman, Jon Faddis, EC, Bo Diddley, Dr. John, Jimmy Vaughan. You can forget about who is playing and revel in the totality of the performance. Hats off to Jake and Elwood for their gift to us. -JS

Rickie Lee Jones: “Danny’s All-Star Joint” Play this track

Swinging, swaying, finger-poppin’ good music and an all-out sassy lyric and vocal from one of my favorite debut albums. -JS

Rickie Lee Jones’ eponymously titled debut album is a high-water mark of ‘70s L.A.-style record production and true artistic grit. There ain’t a weak song on it. -RS

Richard Thompson: “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” Play this track

This is really something. The story could break your heart. -RS

Thompson was rated #69 in a Rolling Stone top 100 Guitarists poll. They picked this song to represent his style. But the song is so good that the guitar is just there to support it. It’s Thompson’s talent and class that makes the guitar playing so great, if you care to give it your attention (which it doesn’t ask for). -JS

Steve Winwood: “What’s Goin’ On” Play this track

I’ve put this on a zillion mixed discs because it comes from my “Use This” file. So good, so NHT. -JS

Paul Simon: “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (Live at the Beacon Theatre, NYC)” Play this track

This comes from my “Best Performance” file. One of my fav PS songs. So, ride the vibe and dig those Steve Gadd drums at the end. -JS

John Mayall’s Blues Breakers: “Room to Move” Play this track

From the Turning Point album with Jon Mark (acoustic guitar) Johnny Almond (sax, flute) and Steve Thompson (bass). Who would have guessed that Mayall’s most famous song would be live from the Fillmore East and acoustic to boot! Great harmonica/voice percussive moments. Totally unique and deserving of our favor. -JS

Alex Chilton: “Il Riebelle” Play this track

Oh man. This is Alex Chilton at his most fun and boisterous, practically spitting out the Italian lyrics while playing some red-hot hot rock ‘n roll at the same time. MY feeling is he must have spoken Italian because he sure seems to know the words! -RS

Proof that music, in this case rock ‘n’ roll knows no language barrier. It communicates on a level we all understand. -JS

The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire): “Dominique” Play this track

Remember when this was a hit? I do. -JS

The Delta Rhythm Boys: “Allouette” Play this track

The song I learned in grammar school, but never this cool. -JS

Paul Simon: “Surfer Girl” Play this track

I have been trying to get this into NHT since the first podcast. I love how he turned it into a Paul Simon song without losing Brian Wilson’s DNA. -JS

I was there for this recording and let me tell you, it sends chills it’s so good. -RS

Brian Wilson: “Wanderlust” Play this track

This version is every bit as good as Paul McCartney’s awesome original version from 1982’s Tug of War. -RS

Brian doing to McCartney music what Simon just did to Wilson’s. Lovely. -JS

Paul and Linda McCartney: “The Back Seat of My Car” Play this track

This is a spectacular opus, and the big ending to Paul & Linda McCartney’s majestic RAM album. Vilified at the time of its (pre-Wings) release in 1971, RAM has gone on to be considered one of McCartney’s very best albums. And it is. Really. -RS

A melodic pop suite that’s well worth the ride. -JS

Led Zeppelin: “Nobody’s Fault but Mine” Play this track

One of my top three favorite Led Zeppelin songs. I just love the off-the-wall counterpoint moves bassist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham play at several intervals … and Jimmy Page’s guitar parts? Whoa. -RS

A real stomper that’s too long been neglected. -JS

Juice Newton: “Queen of Hearts” Play this track

Swinging country that just sounds right. -JS

Led Zeppelin: “Living Loving Maid” Play this track

I used to play this in my bands. One of my favorite riffs. It’s got a one two punch and it’s over. -JS

Such a great riff. Another example of Led Zeppelin’s gift for different styles, this one’s so catchy it’s almost a pop song. I said “almost.” -RS

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Slap and TickleTracklist:

1. Dire Straits: “Once Upon a Time in the West”
2. U2 & Bruce Springsteen: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
3. Blues Project: “I Can’t Keep from Crying Sometimes”
4. Bob Dylan: “Duncan and Brady”
5. Squeeze: “Slap and Tickle (Live)”
6. John Sebastian: “Red Eye Express”
7. Harry Nilsson: “Turn on Your Radio”
8. Rufus Wainwright: “April Fools”
9. Loggins and Messina: “Nobody but You”
10. Jethro Tull: “My Sunday Feeling”
11. Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble: “Love Struck Baby”
12. Ten Years After: “Me and My Baby”
13. Buckingham/Nicks: “Races Are Run”
14. Chicago: “Mississippi Delta City Blues”
15. Black Crowes: “By Your Side”
16. Joe Walsh: “Funk #49 (from Late Show with David Letterman)”
17. The Everly Brothers: “The Price of Love”
18. Nick Lowe: “All Men Are Liars”
19. Steve Winwood: “Can’t Find My Way Home” Please Leave a Comment!



Dire Straits: “Once Upon a Time in the West” Play this track

I’ve always had a soft spot for Dire Straits’ somewhat unheralded second album, 1979’s Communiqué. This tune kicks off the album and defines its vibe. —Rock Stamberg
This tune is filled with Dire Straits DNA. Mark Knopfler told me that, more than anything else, he is trying to create a mood with his songs. The song itself is unhurried and the languid Stratocaster guitar lines flow with the ease of gravity. Nothing is forced or pushed. This song screams because it whispers. -John Stix

U2 & Bruce Springsteen: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” Play this track

This could have been just a great picture. And while it is, the music is equally as great. Love the dynamics of the opening verse and the punch they land as the band comes in for the second verse. Springsteen knows the song and commits to it. He plays their song with his voice. Two of the greats showing you how good it can be together. NHT material indeed. -JS

Blues Project: “I Can’t Keep from Crying Sometimes” Play this track

The first album I wore out on my Garrard turntable was Blues Project Projections. It was rock, it was blues, it was the sound of 1966 FM radio. Al Kooper was my hero, and I followed the Blues Project around. If they were playing The Westchester County Center or the Palisades Amusement Park in Fort Lee, NJ, I was there. This is the opening track. I played it in my jam bands, sans Kooper’s Quarter Tone electronic keyboard (he called the Kooperphone). These are my roots in rock music. -JS

Bob Dylan: “Duncan and Brady” Play this track

Isn’t this a great Dylan track? This previously unreleased and jaunty rocker was recorded for a never completed record The Bard was recording with David Bromberg and his big band back in 1982. I wonder if there are any other long-lost recordings from those aborted sessions. Hmm … -RS
Dylan rocks out with another great story song. I didn’t know this one and suspect you don’t either. But we both love it yes? -JS

Squeeze: “Slap and Tickle (Live)” Play this track

One of my favorite vocal sounds, the distinction of these two voices in harmony or unison sucks me in every time. Melody forever and lyrics that rival Rundgren over smart guitar parts that always invite, and surprise makes Squeeze among my all-time favorite pop bands. And this song is one reason why. -JS

John Sebastian: “Red Eye Express” Play this track

This is the opening track from his 1970 debut solo album (John B Sebastian), which by the way is as good as anything we love by the Lovin’ Spoonful. Even if you’ve never heard it, you think you already know it. And you do! -JS

Harry Nilsson: “Turn on Your Radio” Play this track

This track is yet another example of Harry Nilsson’s outstretched musicality in fine form. He made it all sound so easy. -RS

When Rock played this for me the first time, I heard the opening guitar riff and said yes – this goes in. The rest of the song was just confirmation that he had picked a winner. -JS

Rufus Wainwright: “April Fools” Play this track

Rufus Wainwright caught my ear the first time I heard him in 1998. This was the song. He has developed into a master of far-flung musical genres in the years since, veering from pop and rock to classical to folk to opera to his penchant for covering Judy Garland albums in their entirety on stage. His first few records each remain stunning, however. -RS

Another Rock pick. Rufus Wainwright has a unique voice, great vocal phrasing, and casts a melody with hooks big enough to catch a whale. As Nick Lowe might say this is pure pop for now people. -JS

Loggins and Messina: “Nobody but You” Play this track

I had this idea for a theme where we play the opening tracks from a given band’s debut album. These were the first tracks on debut albums that listeners would hear. They had to have have something special about them. Loggins and Messina had a great duet vocal sound and a rock band with horns and a spitting Fender Telecaster. They rocked, they rolled and ushered in one of the finest musical collaborations of the 1970s. -JS

Jethro Tull: “My Sunday Feeling” Play this track

Jethro Tull started as a blues band, and this is their blues. It’s a shuffle that swings (at times). Mick Abrahams, he of the British Blues guitar lineage, would leave after this album and start Blodwyn Pig. With this opening track, Ian Anderson added flute to the rock lexicon of sounds. This holds up very well. -JS

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble: “Love Struck Baby” Play this track

This rockin’ shuffle ushered in the era of the most celebrated modern bluesman of the 1980s. Not as aggressive as the album’s major keeper, “Pride and Joy,” but SRV does a good job of channeling Chuck Berry in this LP’s short and sweet opener. -JS

Ten Years After: “Me and My Baby” Play this track

Thanks to my buddy Pat Sbarra for turning me onto this, what would become my favorite Ten Years After track. Too many swinging shuffles? I think not. Tasty keys, with Chick Churchill dueling with himself on acoustic piano and a classic Alvin Lee guitar solo, no vibrato, no string bends, just stuttering melodies that skip over the propulsive rhythm section. Sweet. -JS

Buckingham/Nicks: “Races Are Run” Play this track

From Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ debut album from 1973, this was among the tunes Fleetwood Mac drummer heard that prompted him to seek out the duo. What a great song, what a fantastic performance. -RS
This (whole) recording was quite an audition and foreshadowing to the max. -JS

Chicago: “Mississippi Delta City Blues” Play this track

Chicago’s original guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, Terry Kath, was a monster talent. This almost out of control rave up features all his strengths in one place. This is a kick-ass rave up of the first degree. -RS
Surprised? I was. Who knew Chicago the horn band was also a great funk band. We knew they could rock, play outside, and play pop, but funk. Now we know. -JS

Black Crowes: “By Your Side” Play this track

This is the title track to Black Crowes’ unfairly unsung 1999 album, which is a hotbed of songs that show off the band’s influences in short order. Every track is a winner. -RS
I keep thinking it’s The Stones or The Faces but it’s the Black Crowes wearing their influences on their sleeves. Who cares when the song is this good? Rock on. -JS

Joe Walsh: “Funk #49 (from Late Show with David Letterman)” Play this track

This is a James Gang classic that has been played to death. Not quite. There is extra life in this version. Maybe it’s the horns, or the percussion or the acoustic piano. There’s an ease in execution I haven’t heard in other versions that puts this one in my “use this” folder. -JS
What a surprise this take on the Joe Walsh barn burner turned out to be. Too good to be a toss-off, even if it was just a TV timewaster for the audience during and after a commercial break. Doesn’t matter – John Stix heard it and now you do, too. -RS

The Everly Brothers: “The Price of Love” Play this track

The first song the brothers performed live together after a decade-long estrangement; this hearty rocker showed they still had it. As if there had ever been any doubt about that. -RS
They have a unique vocal blend that tells you immediately who’s singing. It’s the head-bobbing rhythm and chicken pickin’ guitar that brings it home for me. -JS

Nick Lowe: “All Men Are Liars” Play this track

Ah, Nick Lowe. The man never disappoints. Is this peppy (and pop-y) musing on the male species’ proclivity for fibbing tells it like it is. “And that’s the truth.” -RS
Just like Squeeze, I love almost everything Nick Lowe does. Melody, hooks, and clever lyrics nail me every time. I offer this song to make my point. Are we in agreement? Yes. -JS

Steve Winwood: “Can’t Find My Way Home” Play this track

You know the saying “Nobody doesn’t like Sarah Lee” The same holds true for Steve Winwood. This is my favorite version of one of his favorite songs. Here is the classic with just a warm acoustic guitar and a voice deeply invested in the song. Dig the crackles coming from the fireplace. NHT indeed. -JS
Whether performed by Blind Faith, latter-era Traffic, or Steve Winwood solo, this monumentally timeless track always delivers, which is a testament to its grandeur and thus its longevity. More proof a good song is always a good song, Winwood’s cozy take here – recorded with his fireplace’s crackles intact – defines timelessness. Great. -RS

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A Tribute to Brian Wilson (1942-2025)Tracklist:

1. Brian Wilson: “Meant For You”
2. Brian Wilson: “God Only Knows”
3. The Beach Boys: “Radio Jingle”
4. The Beach Boys: “Early Live Medley”
5. The Beach Boys: “Little Honda (Single Mix)”
6. The Beach Boys: “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times”
7. Brian Wilson: “Child Is The Father Of The Man”
8. Brian Wilson: “Surf’s Up”
9. The Beach Boys: “’Til I Die (Long Version With Alternate lyrics)”
10. Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks: “Rhapsody In Blue (Outtake)”
11. The Beach Boys: “When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) (remastered)”
12. The Beach Boys: “Mama Says”
13. The Beach Boys: “California Girls (Session)”
14. The Beach Boys: “California Girls”
15. The Beach Boys: “Break Away”
16. The Beach Boys: “Darlin’”
17. The Beach Boys: “Our Team”
18. Brian Wilson: “Please Let Me Wonder”
19. The Beach Boys: “It’s OK”
20. Brian Wilson: “Your Imagination”
21. The Beach Boys: “Sail On, Sailor”
22. The Beach Boys: “Aren’t You Glad”
23. The Beach Boys: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Acapella)”
24. Beach Boys: “Beach Boys’ Medley (Single Verson)”
25. Brian Wilson: “Love & Mercy (Live)” Please Leave a Comment!



Brian Wilson: “Meant For You” Play this track

Brian Wilson: “God Only Knows” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Radio Jingle” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Early Live Medley” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Little Honda (Single Mix)” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” Play this track

Brian Wilson: “Child Is The Father Of The Man” Play this track

Brian Wilson: “Surf’s Up” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “’Til I Die (Long Version With Alternate lyrics” Play this track

The Beach Boys and Van Dyke Parks: “Rhapsody In Blue (Outtake)” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) (remastered)” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Mama Says” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “California Girls (Session)” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “California Girls” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Break Away” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Darlin’” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Our Team” Play this track

Brian Wilson: “Please Let Me Wonder” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “It’s OK” Play this track

Brian Wilson: “Your Imagination” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Sail On, Sailor” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Aren’t You Glad” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Acapella)” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Beach Boys’ Medley (Single Verson)” Play this track

Brian Wilson: “Love & Mercy (Live)” Play this track

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How Much FunTracklist:

1. Wings: “Got to Get You into My Life”
2. Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen: “Too Much Fun”
3. 10cc: “Good Morning Judge”
4. Trey Anastasio (Big Band): “Mozambique”
5. The Beatles: “I Saw Her Standing There (Take 6)”
6. Joe Jackson: “Poor Thing”
7. Lake Street Dive: “Godawful Things”
8. Chicago: “Make Me Smile (bass, drums, vocals, guitar solo)”
9. Harry Nilsson: “Daybreak”
10. Van Morrison: “Jackie Wilson Said (live)”
11. Bonnie Raitt: “You’ve Been in Love Too Long”
12. Jerry Lee Lewis: “It’ll Be Me”
13. Steely Dan: “Do It Again (live with Michael McDonald)”
14. R.E.M.: “Stand”
15. NRBQ: “RC Cola & A Moon Pie”
16. Robert Palmer: “How Much Fun”
17. Paul Carrack and Carlene Carter: “Oh How Happy You Have Made Me”
18. Pete Townshend: “The Sea Refuses No River (live”
19. Pete Townshend: “It’s a Boy”
20. Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders: “Positively 4th Street” Please Leave a Comment!



Wings: “Got to Get You into My Life” Play this track

This track is a good representation of Wings’ final, short-lived lineup performing live at The Concert for the People of Kampuchea benefit in 1979. This was right at the end of their only tour, so they were hot. As evidenced in this exciting version of Paul McCartney’s Beatles classic. -Rock Stamberg

One of my favorites from the Fab Four and this is “THE” live version. The band nails all the elements that make this a great song and then the vibe is just supercharged. You’ll find this in my folder of “Best Performances.” -John Stix

Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen: “Too Much Fun” Play this track

This puppy is up-tempo and swinging right out of the box. Love that classic walking bass blues progression. The horns blare, the piano rocks the pedal steel sounds drunk. The lyric defines the whole song and Jerry Lee Lewis would be proud. -JS

10cc: “Good Morning Judge” Play this track

I love 10cc, especially late-era 10cc when they were down to a duo. Anyway, great song, excellent playing by Eric Stewart (guitar) and bassist Graham Gouldman. -RS

10cc are among the most creative bands in rock music. It’s comprised of top-notch musicians who aim to surprise with their sophisticated songwriting and sense of humor. This is a band that is much more than its hits. -JS

Trey Anastasio (Big Band): “Mozambique” Play this track

A joyful noise indeed. Uplifting, and engaging at the same time. It’s the recipe for any successful uptempo instrumental (think Jessica by the ABB) and can be heard on this horn heavy rhythm centric tune. It’s party time! -JS

Trey Anastasio’s big band is indeed a big band and this track, which he’s also performed with his main band, Phish, is an ever-evolving piece of music. This version really grabbed John … and I’m the Phish head around these parts. Go figure. -RS

The Beatles: “I Saw Her Standing There (Take 6)” Play this track

You hear this and realize just how good a band they were. I Love the mistakes and the talking that follows. -JS

The Beatles in their natural habitat working on what became a great recording. Let’s drop in on them, whaddaya say? -RS

Joe Jackson: “Poor Thing” Play this track

Great unknown track by a super talent. -RS

Joe Jackson is a serious melodicist who has something to say. And that’s what makes great music. Say it in a song that draws us in. And everyone loves a waltz. -JS

Lake Street Dive: “Godawful Things” Play this track

A distorted guitar with a cello. Can you think of a better way to start a pop song? LSD is one of the premier rock and pop bands in the country. They feature melodic hooks, smart lyrics, surprising arrangements, acoustic bass, and off the charts vocals. It’s all here for you to enjoy. -JS

Chicago: “Make Me Smile (bass, drums, vocals, guitar solo)” Play this track

This stripped mix of a major Chicago hit is illuminating in all the right ways. The rhythm section shines, the vocal rocks and the guitar rips. Terry Kath’s shredding guitar solo features Coltrane-like sheets of sound licks in a Billboard Top 10 record described as “soft rock.” So yes, this does shed a new light on an old classic. Very NHT wouldn’t you say? -JS

Harry Nilsson: “Daybreak” Play this track

From the little-known film, Son of Dracula, this was Harry Nilsson’s last hit. But boy, what a song. Catchy. -RS

This song reminds me of the “Put the lime in the coconut” vibe. -JS

Van Morrison: “Jackie Wilson Said (live)” Play this track

One of my fav’s from VM. This time it’s a swinging big band version that I found in my “Redo” folder of bands that rearrange their classics. -JS

Young(er) Van kickin’ up some dust. It helps that this song is one of his great ones. -RS

Bonnie Raitt: “You’ve Been in Love Too Long” Play this track

This is the opening track from Bonnie’s Takin’ My Time LP. There’s a heavy Little Feat sound overall and John Hall’s (Orleans) guitar solo is oh so tasty. The track is one of my favorite bump-in-the-night grooves, with all the puzzle pieces distinct unto themselves and perfectly in place. A great lesson in blues funk delivered with classic Bonnie Raitt swagger. -JS

Jerry Lee Lewis: “It’ll Be Me” Play this track

“It’ll be me, and I’ll be looking for you.” How great is that lyric? Timeless. -RS

I love me that train is a comin’ rhythm. This is just killer rock ‘n roll. -JS

Steely Dan: “Do It Again (live with Michael McDonald)” Play this track

In 1974, Steely Dan hit the road for the last time in their early years. During that tour there was discussion and a vote to have of Michael McDonald take over as the lead vocalist. Much to his chagrin, and probably against his own vote, Donald won. We can only wonder what it would have been like if the vote had gone the other way. In 2008, McDonald guested with the band for a while and gave us a glimpse of what it wouldn’t have sounded like it the vote had turned out differently. Also dig the guitar solo by Jon Herrington and the drum solo by Keith Carlock. -JS

I love it when John finds this stuff. Funky. -RS

R.E.M.: “Stand” Play this track

What a fantastically catchy song R.E.M. gifted us with. -RS

A straightforward pop rock song from R.E.M. Who’d have thunk it? -JS

NRBQ: “RC Cola & A Moon Pie” Play this track

God knows I love me some NRBQ. This is an NRBQ classic from way back. They still perform it regularly to this day. Essential listening. -RS

The style at the heart of the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet. A 1950’s rocker reborn. -JS

Robert Palmer: “How Much Fun” Play this track

How much soul, how much funk? Lots and lots. A beauty. -RS

This sounds like the son of Allen Toussaint had a party with Little Feat on the streets of London. How much fun? Lots! -JS

Paul Carrack and Carlene Carter: “Oh How Happy You Have Made Me” Play this track

A joyous cover (of a joyous song) of the 1966 top 12 hit by Shades of Blue. I can hear the smiles more in this cover, so I always go for this version. -JS

Pete Townshend: “The Sea Refuses No River (live” Play this track

For me, this is the version of a song I’ve always loved. Intense and striking. -RS

This is one of Townshend’s finest and under acknowledged songs. Great lyric, raging vocals and one of PT’s best melodies. I’d love to hear Roger sing this one. As is, this goes into the “Best Performances” folder. -JS

Pete Townshend: “It’s a Boy” Play this track

A Townshend demo from Tommy. -JS

Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders: “Positively 4th Street” Play this track

This version of the Bob Dylan classic just may be definitive. It’s lopes along in a casually rockin’ way that belies the lyrics’ dark theme. Beautiful. -RS

This rolls like a lazy river. The vocal, bitter in lyric, is relaxed in delivery. Jerry’s solo sounds like an exhale as does David Grisman’s on mandolin. This cover is worth the time it takes to unfold. -JS

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They’re Red HotTracklist:

1. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band featuring Sam Moore: “Hold On, I’m Coming > Soul Man”
2. Billy Preston: “Nothing from Nothing”
3. Doors: “The Crystal Ship (Isolated Vocal)”
4. Sparks: “Nothing Is as Good as They Say It Is”
5. Van Morrison: “Coney Island”
6. Van Morrison: “I’m Tired Joey Boy”
7. Paul McCartney: “Calico Skies (Remastered 2020)”
8. Three Fates Project: “The Endless Enigma Suite, Pt. 2”
9. Faces: “Stay With Me”
10. Leon Russell: “Roll Away the Stone”
11. Todd Rundgren: “A Dream Goes on Forever”
12. Ryan Adam’s: “New York, New York”
13. Eric Clapton: “They’re Red Hot”
14. Warren Zevon: “Werewolves of London”
15. Three Dog Night: “Shambala (Single Version)”
16. Simon & Garfunkel: “Mrs. Robinson (Demo)”
17. Ennio Morricone: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
18. Ray Charles: “The ABC Song (edit)”
19. Grateful Dead: “Loose Lucy”
20. Keith Richard’s: “How I Wish”
21. Ben Kweller: “Walk on Me”
22. Elton John: “Take Me to The Pilot (Live)” Please Leave a Comment!



Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band featuring Sam Moore: “Hold On, I’m Coming > Soul Man” Play this track

One of a few spectacular performances at the 25th Anniversary concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band is on point and on fire. Bruce is successfully paying homage and letting it rip at the same time. Bravo! -John Stix

Pretty rockin’, I’d say. A good version of “Soul Man” is always welcome. -Rock Stamberg

Billy Preston: “Nothing from Nothing” Play this track

Billy Preston during his mega-hit days in the early-to-mid ‘70s. Still sounds great, too. -RS

Gospel rock at its best. Jerry Lee Lewis would be proud. This is a killer track. -JS

Doors: “The Crystal Ship (Isolated Vocal)” Play this track

All the mystery and danger are right here in the vocal. -JS

Sparks: “Nothing Is as Good as They Say It Is” Play this track

Trust me, this song is as good as I say it is. It’s good too. -RS

Up there with the best of a Zappa-like narrative for a song. The baby is born and almost immediately wants to return to the womb. It’s known that laughter is the best medicine. So, listen to the lyric and enjoy your medicine. -JS

Van Morrison: “Coney Island” Play this track

Van Morrison: “I’m Tired Joey Boy” Play this track

These two songs are inexorably tied together. Found on Van Morrison’s sublime Avalon Sunset album from 1989, these tracks define what’s beautiful about beautiful music. A+ stuff. -RS

Van the poet at his most commanding. It’s also the first appearance of the word “famished” on NHT. -JS

Paul McCartney: “Calico Skies (Remastered 2020)” Play this track

Melancholia made majestic. As good as any Beatles track. -RS

I didn’t follow the individual Beatles after the breakup. So, I didn’t know this song, nor its reason for being. A love song for the ages. I do hope you have someone to share this with. -JS

Three Fates Project: “The Endless Enigma Suite, Pt. 2” Play this track

I had the ELP album Trilogy, I just didn’t listen to it much. This orchestral version, I could barely hear KE anywhere, has all the drama, flourish and fanfare that made up the best of ELP. I am drawn the chorus melody and am stopped in my tracks every time it comes around. -JS

Faces: “Stay with Me” Play this track

Now this is great rock ‘n roll. Listen to how guitarist Ronnie Wood was already ready for The Rolling Stones three years prior to joining ‘em. -RS

The kind of raucous rock that rolls (because of that piano) that we heard in Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen, and become the backbone sound of Delaney and Bonnie, Derek and the Dominoes, and now The Tedeschi Trucks Band. It could be argued that The Faces achieved this sound more successfully than the Stones. -JS

Leon Russell: “Roll Away the Stone” Play this track

The opening part has hints of the Stones “Stupid Girl.” And there is a 50 second piano intro before the song comes in. That acoustic piano drives the song throughout, with a Blues-Rock/Gospel stew that both simmers and rocks. Need we any more proof that Leon Russell was a first-rate songwriter? -JS

Todd Rundgren: “A Dream Goes on Forever” Play this track

Armed with just his always insightful lyrics, an acoustic piano, and a Rock of Gibraltar melody, I am enthralled. What about you? -JS

Ryan Adam’s: “New York, New York” Play this track

This song just makes me feel good. I love the acoustic guitar/Hammond organ bed married to vocal harmonies delivering nothing but melodic hooks. Then there is almost chaotic sax part that resolves in the end. -JS

Eric Clapton: “They’re Red Hot” Play this track

Clapton sans guitar swinging with a smile. I looked up the Robert Johnson recording, and his version was just as up and happy. I didn’t know that. -JS

Warren Zevon: “Werewolves of London” Play this track

Did you know this reached #21 in The Billboard Hot 100? That makes Warren Zevon a one-hit wonder. Guitarist Waddy Wachtel came up with the famous “aaaoooo” howl based on the song title. Did you notice the piano riff that beds this song just goes around and around without changing? -JS

Three Dog Night: “Shambala (Single Version)” Play this track

Three Dog Night made some good records in the early ‘70s and this is a good example of their song-based, harmony driven style. -RS

I never heard this song before Rock suggested it. But it feels good and the vocals, including another wolf howl, are a ray of sunshine. -JS

Simon & Garfunkel: “Mrs. Robinson (Demo)” Play this track

Here it is before it was. -JS

Ennio Morricone: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” Play this track

Everything you ever wanted in a song; flutes, trumpet, whistling, vocal grunts, tremolo guitar, tubular bells, a choir, military drums, scream singing and voices pretending to be a wah-wah effect. And it was a hit too! -JS

Ray Charles: “The ABC Song (edit)” Play this track

Some guys can sing anything. -JS

Grateful Dead: “Loose Lucy” Play this track

Taken from 1974’s Grateful Dead from the Mars Hotel album – a personal favorite of mine – this track is sure evidence that the Dead were always a song-based band. Even when they were delving into their explorations onstage, each song always had a definite and crisp ending. This studio track is one of their best. -RS

Keith Richard’s: “How I Wish” Play this track

Another favorite of mine, this catchy rocker shows Keith Richard’s composing a song the way he and Mick Jagger used to do. No riff-based tune here. From Keith’s excellent debut solo album, Talk is Cheap, released in 1988. -RS

Ben Kweller: “Walk on Me” Play this track

I love Ben Kweller. What a songwriter. This rollicking track is from his Sha-Sha album from 2002. -RS

Elton John: “Take Me to The Pilot (Live)” Play this track

This acoustic piano trio and song, absolutely live, just rocks! -JS

Early live Elton rocked. His original live trio was comprised of drummer Nigel Olsson and the late bassist Dee Murray, both of whom were also fantastic singers. Olsson remained in Elton’s live band right up until the end. -RS

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Merry Christmas!Tracklist:

1. Chuck Leavell: “Hey Santa”
2. Ryan Culwell: “It’s Christmastime, I Know (Ho Ho Ho)”
3. Ben Kweller: “Try to Love (Joy to the World)”
4. The Beach Boys: “Christmas Time Is Here Again”
5. Graham Gouldman: “A Christmas Affair (feat. Beth Nielsen Chapman)”
6. Lindsey Buckingham: “Holiday Road”
7. Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir: “Run with the Fox”
8. Al Jardine: “Big Sur Christmas”
9. Andy Partridge: “Cool Yule”
10. Cheap Trick: “Please Come Home for Christmas”
11. Keith Richards: “Run Rudolph Run”
12. The Rolling Stones: “Winter”
13. Emmylou Harris: “Light of the Stable”
14. Wings: “Wonderful Christmastime (Live)”
15. Yoko Ono & The Flaming Lips: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
16. Robin Gibb: “Noel”
17. Rufus Wainwright: “Christmas Is for Kids”
18. The Beatles: “1967 Christmas Record”
19. Eagles: “Funky New Year (Live)”
20. The Beach Boys: “Auld Lang Syne”
21. Fleet Foxes: “White Winter Hymnal”
22. Mariah Carey/Queen: “Don’t Stop Christmas Now (Mashup)”
23. Liz Phair: “Winter Wonderland”
24. Vince Guaraldi Trio featuring Josh Turner on Guitar: “Charlie Brown Christmas Medley” Please Leave a Comment!



Chuck Leavell: “Hey Santa” Play this track

Chuck Leavell’s Christmas album, What’s in That Bag? is loaded with more funky good cheer. —Rock Stamberg

Ryan Culwell: “It’s Christmastime, I Know (Ho Ho Ho)” Play this track

I heard it, I liked it, and here it is. —RS

Ben Kweller: “Try to Love (Joy to the World)” Play this track

A cool song that incorporates a well-known holiday standard. —RS

The Beach Boys: “Christmas Time Is Here Again” Play this track

The backing track is actually the Beach Boys playing Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue,” albeit with their own Christmas lyrics. Listen, you’ll hear it. -RS

Graham Gouldman: “A Christmas Affair (feat. Beth Nielsen Chapman)” Play this track

10cc’s Graham Goldman wrote this Christmas song and put it in the middle of his latest decidedly non-Christmas album, I Have Notes. —RS

Lindsey Buckingham: “Holiday Road” Play this track

An obvious choice, I know. But it’s a great song! —RS

Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir: “Run with the Fox” Play this track

The late, great Yes bassist added a choir to his 1981 Christmas single, beautifully enhancing the track. Voila! —RS

Al Jardine: “Big Sur Christmas” Play this track

A long lost online-only original Christmas song by The Beach Boys’ ageless Alan Jardine. —RS

Andy Partridge: “Cool Yule” Play this track

The XTC mastermind’s original Christmas song that was first performed by … wait for it … The Monkees. —RS

Cheap Trick: “Please Come Home for Christmas” Play this track

Cheap Trick’s hard rocking’ take on the venerable holiday blues classic. —RS

Keith Richards: “Run Rudolph Run” Play this track

Released as a single in 1978, this is also Keith Richards’ first solo record. —RS

The Rolling Stones: “Winter” Play this track

Though it’s not a holiday song, per se, it is a great seasonal track, nonetheless. —RS

Emmylou Harris: “Light of the Stable” Play this track

This has always been a favorite of mine. How come I didn’t use it in prior Christmas episode? —RS

Wings: “Wonderful Christmastime (Live)” Play this track

A live recording of the then new song performed at one of Wings’ final concerts in 1979. Better than the original? You decide. —RS

Yoko Ono & The Flaming Lips: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” Play this track

A very original take on John & Yoko’s holiday classic. And yes, that wonderful chorus is sung beautifully by Ms. Ono. Underrated. Listen! —RS

Robin Gibb: “Noel” Play this track

The late Bee Gees brother recorded a fantastic Christmas album shortly before his death. This is a good representation of what it’s all about. —RS

Rufus Wainwright: “Christmas Is for Kids” Play this track

A nice original song from the amazing Rufus Wainwright. —RS

The Beatles: “1967 Christmas Record” Play this track

Every year I add one of The Beatles’ Fan Club’s holiday offerings in chronological order. We’re up to 1967 now. Only two more Beatles Christmas records left to add to a NHT Christmas podcast. Then what’ll I do? —RS

Eagles: “Funky New Year (Live)” Play this track

A rare live version. —RS

The Beach Boys: “Auld Lang Syne” Play this track

How else to include a New Year’s song -RS

Fleet Foxes: “White Winter Hymnal” Play this track

It’s all about the sound of their voices. A winter choirs. It’s not from the Brian Wilson school, but it is in the classroom next door. —John Stix

Mariah Carey/Queen: “Don’t Stop Christmas Now (Mashup)” Play this track

When a mashup works, it just sounds like another song. This is just another Xmas song. —JS

Liz Phair: “Winter Wonderland” Play this track

The melody is sung straight. It’s the arrangement and instrumentation that makes it fresh. And in this case, that’s “organic and wooden.” —JS

Vince Guaraldi Trio featuring Josh Turner on Guitar: “Charlie Brown Christmas Medley” Play this track

Everyone’s favorite Xmas melodies presented in a jazz chord melody style, no improv, just great compositions. —JS

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Listen To The MusicTracklist:

1. Grateful Dead: “Let The Good Times Roll”
2. Santana: “Everybody’s Everything”
3. Kila: “An Tiománaí (Live)”
4. Steely Dan: “Parkers Band”
5. Tower Of Power: “What Is Hip?”
6. Van Morrison: “You Make Me Feel So Free”
7. Lake Street Dive with Lawerence: “Good Together (Live)”
8. Jeff Lynne: “Blown Away”
9. The Beach Boys: “You Still Believe In Me (Live)”
10. The Doobie Brothers: “Listen to The Music (Farewell Tour Live)”
11. U2: “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”
12. Squeeze: “The Day I Get Home”
13. The Monkees: “Daydream Believer”
14. Aretha Franklin: “Coca-Cola Commercial”
15. Larry Carlton: “Put It Where You Want It”
16. The Clash: “London Calling”
17. John Fogerty with The Roots: “Lookin’ Out My Back Door”
18. Mountain: “Mississippi Queen”
19. James Taylor: “Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Music Now”
20. “Barney Miller Theme” Please Leave a Comment!



Grateful Dead: “Let The Good Times Roll” Play this track

When they are on, one of the things the Grateful Dead do best is hit a rhythm that floats effortlessly like a river going downstream. I offer this song as my example. – John Stix

I’m a Grateful Dead fan who’s not crazy about their later era, from which this performance is drawn. I’m happy to say this is a rare exception for me. And John chose it! -Rock Stamberg

Santana: “Everybody’s Everything” Play this track

Propulsive rhythms, strong Gregg Rollie vocals, a wailing guitar, plus Tower of Power horns, helped to put this song on Santana’s Greatest Hits. -JS

Kila: “An Tiománaí (Live)” Play this track

African rhythms and Celtic singing propel you forward. But it’s the invisible segue way prepared by our buddy Mike Connelly that makes this a killer one-two punch. -JS

Steely Dan: “Parkers Band” Play this track

One of my faves from Steely Dan’s Pretzel Logic album. This is from a superb recording of a Dan show in Chicago, which featured Larry Carlton guesting. The killer guitar solo up front is by Jon Herrington, who I suspect was inspired by Carlton sitting in. Also check out the extra horn parts that weren’t in the original. Has there ever been a finer tribute to Charlie Parker by a rock band? -JS

Tower Of Power: “What Is Hip?” Play this track

This, their signature song, was never a hit. If you like a superglued funk rhythm section, soul vocals and horn parts that jab like Ali, this is your song, and they should be your band. -JS

Van Morrison: “You Make Me Feel So Free” Play this track

One of my favorite Van Morrison tracks. Irresistible. -RS
Wow, an up-tempo Van kicker that I had never heard until Rock said listen to this. I’m just paying it forward. -JS

Lake Street Dive with Lawerence: “Good Together (Live)” Play this track

People love Rachel Price’s voice, and I do too. But it’s the whole band that writes and plays together that generates that smile on your face. It’s “Pure Pop for Now people”, as Nick Lowe would say. This live performance has LSD joining with NYC’s finest band Lawrence. -JS

Jeff Lynne: “Blown Away” Play this track

Co-written with Tom Petty, this is, to me, a great song. Jeff Lynne’s wordless crooning during the song’s tag absolutely kills me every time. -RS

The Beach Boys: “You Still Believe In Me (Live)” Play this track

Recorded during The Beach Boys’ 1973 tour, Alan Jardine takes on MIA Brian Wilson’s lead vocal from Pet Sounds. And he nails it. The harmonies ain’t bad, either. -RS

The Doobie Brothers: “Listen to The Music (Farewell Tour Live)” Play this track

This is a surprise from The Doobie Brothers’ Farewell Tour album from 1983. Of course, the farewell tour wasn’t so farewell-y after all. -RS

A rare funk version with Michael McDonald on lead vocal. Totally classic and totally new. The track screams NHT. -JS

U2: “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” Play this track

I’m not a big U2 fan but what I like of theirs I really like. This is probably my favorite U2 recording. -RS

Squeeze: “The Day I Get Home” Play this track

Another unknown gem from Squeeze. Slinky. -RS
Sounds to me a bit like the children’s song “This Old Man Came Rolling Home.” -JS

The Monkees: “Daydream Believer” Play this track

What can I say? A great song is always a great song. -RS

Aretha Franklin: “Coca-Cola Commercial” Play this track

She almost got me off my Hires Root Beer! -JS

Larry Carlton: “Put It Where You Want It” Play this track

Pure class and all finesse. This tune, written by Joe Sample and originally played by The Crusaders, of which LC was a longtime member, gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. -JS

The Clash: “ London Calling” Play this track

Rock gave me an assignment to pick a Clash song for NHT. The question remains, is this cheating? -JS

John Fogerty with The Roots: “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” Play this track

When rock music was also pop music … and just great music. I’m smiling again. Are you? -JS

Mountain: “Mississippi Queen” Play this track

This comes from my folder of best performances. It’s the piano that makes it along with the roar of the vocal and the stringing melodies from the guitar. Rockin’ music at its best. -JS

James Taylor: “Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Music Now” Play this track

From JT’s underrated Walking Man album. -RS
This is JT working with the cream of the NY session community. A few years later, Kiss’ Ace Frehley sang about being “back in the New York groove.” This is what he meant. -JS

“Barney Miller Theme” Play this track

I just had to put this after the James Taylor track. I had to. -RS

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Ain’t Nice To Talk Like ThatTracklist:

1. The Allman Brothers Band: “Little Martha (Live at The Beacon Theatre, NYC)”
2. Brian Setzer Orchestra: “The Jets Song”
3. Laura Nyro: “Luckie”
4. Chuck Berry & Tom Jones: “Memphis / Roll Over Beethoven”
5. Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band: “Cutey and the Dragon”
6. Joe Jackson: “Summer in The City”
7. Paul Carrack: “From Now On”
8. Todd Rundgren & Daryl Hall: “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference”
9. Skeeter Davis & NRBQ: “Ain’t Nice to Talk Like That”
10. Billy Joel: “Only the Good Die Young (Alternate Version)”
11. John Hiatt: “Cry Love”
12. Steely Dan: “Time Out of Mind (Vocal-Keyboard-Guitar-Horn Mix)”
13. The Allman Brothers Band: “Blue Sky”
14. Paul McCartney And Eric Clapton: “Something”
15. Starlight Mints: “Submarine #3”
16. Elliot Smith: “Pretty (Ugly Before)”
17. Little Feat: “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now (Alternate Version)”
18. Emerson, Lake & Powell: “Touch and Go (2024 Remaster)”
19. Jefferson Airplane: “She Has Funny Cars” Please Leave a Comment!



The Allman Brothers Band: “Little Martha (Live at The Beacon Theatre, NYC)” Play this track

“Somewhere in a burst of glory, sound becomes a song.” – Paul Simon.

That’s how this rendition of “Little Martha” arrives, courtesy of the Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon Theatre in New York. I was there. And now you are too. —John Stix

I never would’ve thought of “Little Martha” as lending itself to an electric guitar-based, full band arrangement … but here it is. And it’s cool. —Rock Stamberg

Brian Setzer Orchestra: “The Jets Song” Play this track

Rock meets Broadway on equal terms. —JS
I do? —RS

Laura Nyro: “Luckie” Play this track

The opening track from one of the greatest albums ever. As was once heard sang on Broadway, “Put on a happy face.” —JS

Chuck Berry & Tom Jones: “Memphis / Roll Over Beethoven” Play this track

TJ does it again. He can sing with anybody and bring out the best they’ve got. Here we are, on television, no less. Chuck is smiling and rockin’ and rollin’ and showing us why he is one of the pillars of music. And Tom Jones is right up there with him. —JS

Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band: “Cutey and the Dragon” Play this track

Here we have a Grammy-nominated piece composed by Raymond Scott that, previously, had never been recorded. And there’s a bit of jazz thrown in for good measure. There was no cartoon to go along with this music but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream one up yourself. —JS

Joe Jackson: “Summer in The City” Play this track

Joe Jackson always delivers. —RS
Joe Jackson plays it straight and the song has never aged. —JS

Paul Carrack: “From Now On” Play this track

Another great song from Paul Carrack’s great Suburban Voodoo album. —RS

Todd Rundgren & Daryl Hall: “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference” Play this track

Todd has performed this song for decades, but this version is THE ONE. —JS

Skeeter Davis & NRBQ: “Ain’t Nice to Talk Like That” Play this track

I just love that country trombone. —RS
A living, breathing, singing smile! —JS

Billy Joel: “Only the Good Die Young (Alternate Version)” Play this track

Dramatic proof that sometimes the first idea is not the best idea. Fun to discover, fun to listen to, and a song made for NHT. —JS

John Hiatt: “Cry Love” Play this track

As a songwriter, John Hiatt is a monster. Here’s one of his lesser-known songs as performed by Hiatt and his band. Simply amazing. —RS

Steely Dan: “Time Out of Mind (Vocal-Keyboard-Guitar-Horn Mix)” Play this track

A 5.1 mix using only certain tracks allows us to hear the subtle details in the track sans rhythm section. “Perfection and Grace” indeed. —JS

The Allman Brothers Band: “Blue Sky” Play this track

See the final sentence above. Here is Duane Allman earning his nickname “Skydog,” and Dickie Betts as the ultimate melodicist on a gem of a song he wrote for his then girlfriend, Blue Sky. —JS
This song is near perfect. So melodic. —RS

Paul McCartney And Eric Clapton: “Something” Play this track

How often is a beloved song played as the masterpiece it is? This is one of those times. The band includes Ringo Starr, Albert Lee, Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston, and an orchestra. —JS
What can I say? It’s beautiful and kinda haunting as well. —RS

Starlight Mints: “Submarine #3” Play this track

A quirky little song that’ll grab you before you know it. —RS

Elliot Smith: “Pretty (Ugly Before)” Play this track

Elliott Smith was sooo talented. A beautifully moody song here. —RS

Little Feat: “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now (Alternate Version)” Play this track

I love Little Feat. So does John. We also love hearing outtakes and alternate versions of great Feat tunes. This one’s slinky and sweet. —RS

Emerson, Lake & Powell: “Touch and Go (2024 Remaster)” Play this track

This song appeared on the self-titled album by a one-off version of ELP, this one with Cozy Powell, not Carl Palmer, as the “P.” I think “Touch and Go” is as good as anything the original ELP cooked up in their ‘70s heyday. Is “majestic” the word for this track? —RS

Jefferson Airplane: “She Has Funny Cars” Play this track

The opening track from one of my favorite albums. The drum intro grabs me immediately. What follows helped define the San Francisco sound and that of the band as well. —JS

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So May We StartTracklist:

1. Sparks (featuring Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, & Simon Helberg): “So May We Start”
2. NRBQ: “Boozoo, That’s Who!”
3. Traveling Wilburys: “Maxine”
4. Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Levon Helm: “The Weight”
5. Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Mark Farner: “Some Kind of Wonderful”
6. The Kinks: “Life on The Road”
7. The Monkees: “Listen to The Band”
8. Neil Young: “All Along the Watchtower”
9. The Rolling Stones & Stevie Wonder: “I Don’t Know Why”
10. The Doors: “People Are Strange”
11. Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Dave Edmunds: “I Hear You Knocking”
12. Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Gary Wright: “Dream Weaver”
13. Herbie Hancock, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks: “Space Captain”
14. Crosby, Stills & Nash: “Taken at All”
15. Roger McGuinn with Richard Thompson: “Wild Mountain Thyme”
16. T. Rex: “20th Century Boy”
17. Bob Dylan & Grateful Dead: “Man of Peace” Please Leave a Comment!



Sparks (featuring Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, & Simon Helberg): “So May We Start” Play this track

This is such an unusual song … but not for Sparks. It’s catchy despite itself. Recorded for the soundtrack to the film “Annette,” those are indeed some of the actors singing along with Ron Mael. A great video was made for this song; The YouTube link is on our Web page for this podcast. Check it out. —Rock Stamberg

Unconventional song structure, minimal lyrics on a loop and Broadway vocals on top of pop hooks. What a treat. Reminds me of Todd Rundgren’s fascination with Gilbert and Sullivan. — John Stix

NRBQ: “Boozoo, That’s Who!” Play this track

Ahh, NRBQ. What can I say? Their self-described “Omnipop” is in fine fettle on this bouncy offering. —RS
A cartoon song with lyrics right out of Cat in the Hat and Merrie Melodies like we heard as kids on Saturday morning television, all played with a wink and a smile. — JS

Traveling Wilburys: “Maxine” Play this track

This outtake was included on the two-disc Traveling Wilburys Collection a few years back and I think it’s every bit as great as the songs the released in the albums themselves. This is really good stuff. —RS
A newly discovered George Harrison gem (at least for me). That 6/8 lilt gets me every time. — JS

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Levon Helm: “The Weight” Play this track

This track comes right out of my “best versions” folder and puts a great coat of fresh paint on a shop-worn classic. — JS

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Mark Farner: “Some Kind of Wonderful” Play this track

We talk about voice and guitar, and voice and piano being the true test of a great song. How about voice and bass? Now we’re thumpin’. John Entwistle and Mark Farner rock the joint without needing any help. — JS

Here’s what’s funny: Grand Funk’s original studio version featured drummer Don Brewer on lead vocals, not Mark Farner. Shows what a great song and arrangement can do no matter who’s singing it. —RS

The Kinks: “Life on The Road” Play this track

Simply put, this is one of my all-time favorite Kinks songs and it’s absolutely perfect, in my opinion. Perfect. —RS

The Monkees: “Listen to The Band” Play this track

There are several different versions of this song that were released around the same time (1969-1970), but this is the one. Believe it or not, this is what I’d call the stripped-down version of the song. What a beautiful melody. Good on you, Michael Nesmith. —RS
This sounds like it was pulled right from the ‘60s. Love that pop/rock country bounce. — JS

Neil Young: “All Along the Watchtower” Play this track

I was so inspired by this performance that when Neil toured with Booker T. & the MGs soon after the “BobFest” concerts I bought tickets. I also bought the bootleg recording! — JS

The Rolling Stones & Stevie Wonder: “I Don’t Know Why” Play this track

I did not know this Stevie Wonder composition but the juxtaposition of the bands in a call and response as the song goes along makes it NHT material of the first order. Who knew? Now you do. — JS
I’ve always loved the Stones’ version but had never heard Stevie Wonder’s original version. What a great song. —RS

The Doors: “People Are Strange” Play this track

Jim Morrison gets so much attention it’s easy to forget that the music of the Doors was made by the other band members. In this music bed you almost hear all the vocal lines and musical accompaniment because they’re so ingrained in our memories. It’s hard not to sing along. Duh, that’s Karaoke dummy. Sorry, I should have known. — JS

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Dave Edmunds: “I Hear You Knocking” Play this track

I asked Rock to pass on this version because I felt the recording was ragged, all guitars and voice, and parts of the solos are out of tune. It was not a fun listen for me in the car. I understand Rock’s almost out of control and out of tune take on guitar solos. To me it was just noisy. The song was a hit in England and deserved to be. — JS
Let’s rock! —RS

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band featuring Gary Wright: “Dream Weaver” Play this track

I’ve always had a real soft spot for this tune and the wonderful low, low bass tones Gary Wright achieved with the ARP keyboards he used. Ringo’s human touch makes this classic swing without losing any of its original mojo. —RS

Herbie Hancock, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks: “Space Captain” Play this track

Killer performance, and it was on TV to boot! Tedeschi/Trucks do versions of Mad Dogs, Delaney and Bonnie and Derek and the Dominoes better than anyone else around. That Herbie Hancock was smart enough to bring them into his orbit with this song, reinforces his genius. — JS

Crosby, Stills & Nash: “Taken at All” Play this track

Thanks for the recommendation, Graham! He said this deserved more attention than it got. This version from the CSN Box Set sounds like it would sit nicely among the tunes on their first album. What do I love about this band? Whatever you’re hearing right here. — JS

Roger McGuinn with Richard Thompson: “Wild Mountain Thyme” Play this track

What a find. I have always enjoyed The Byrds take on this tune. Now, this one goes into that “best versions” folder. For me, it’s the kind of tune that screams NHT. — JS
This is a real surprise for me. Stunning. And I had no idea what a spellbinding supporting musician and singer Richard Thompson could be. —RS

T. Rex: “20th Century Boy” Play this track

Another perfect rock ‘n roll concoction. T. Rex rules. —RS

Bob Dylan & Grateful Dead: “Man of Peace” Play this track

According to the bard his-self, he walked out of rehearsals with the Grateful Dead and wasn’t going to go back because he felt he had lost it and was done. Like, done. It happens he had a change of heart after chancing upon a singer in a bar and the event transformed him, he has said. He went back to the rehearsal space where the members of the Grateful Dead routinely challenged him to play songs of his that were well off the beaten path … like this one, which was originally released in 1983’s Infidels album. —RS

I had heard on good advice that Dylan toured with the Dead because he would get all the money going to his share of the take. Not a great reason to tour with another band. The show I saw didn’t hold my attention, so I was thrilled when I discovered this performance from the rehearsals. This is a real NHT treat. — JS

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Boom Bapa Boom!Tracklist:

1. Jimmie Vaughan: “Boom Bapa Boom”
2. Jackson Browne: “Boulevard”
3. Joan Armatrading: “Show Some Emotion”
4. Tex Williams: “Smoke That Cigarette”
5. Eric Clapton: “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”
6. Jeff Lynne: “Telephone Line (Acoustic)”
7. Randy Newman: “The Story of a Rock and Roll Band”
8. Vulfmon (Featuring Jacob Jeffries): “How Much Do You Love Me?”
9. Larkin Poe: “Sometimes”
10. 10cc: “Rubber Bullets”
11. Michael Jackson & Ted Nugent: “Hey Baby Am I Black or White”
12. The Beatles: “If I Fell (a cappella)”
13. Elton John: “Better Off Dead”
14. U2: “Desire”
15. Fleetwood Mac: “Black Magic Woman”
16. The Black Crowes: “Diamond Ring”
17. Badfinger: “Day After Day”
18. Joni Mitchell: “Help Me (Demo)”
19. Beautiful People (Jimi Hendrix): “If ‘60s Were ‘90s”
20. Santana: “Song of The Wind (Quadrophonic Mix)” Please Leave a Comment!



Jimmie Vaughan: “Boom Bapa Boom” Play this track

A cool groove and a cool song. Nonsense lyrics be damned! –Rock Stamberg

As a fan of brother Stevie Ray’s roar and conviction on the guitar, I found Jimmy Vaughan’s playing too tame for my taste. But upon hearing his Nile Rogers-produced debut solo album, Strange Pleasure, I pronounce myself a changed man. The guitar playing hadn’t changed, but the rhythm and feel of songs like this one won me over. Let’s just say I like a lot of roll with my rock. –John Stix

Jackson Browne: “Boulevard” Play this track

I was late in digging Jackson Browne, but his Running on Empty album changed that. This rocker from his follow-up album, Hold Out, sealed the deal. —RS
The guitar riff sounds like Keef to me. Jackson Browne wrote himself a cool Stones song. -JS

Joan Armatrading: “Show Some Emotion” Play this track

The music is slinky and moves like liquid over a flat surface. The vocal and overall performance are full of quirky hooks, making it destined to become one of her signature songs. -JS

Tex Williams: “Smoke That Cigarette” Play this track

Western Swing with a sense of humor. Novelty song, yes. But with Menthol. -JS

Eric Clapton: “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” Play this track

I love this version of the old gospel standard more than any other. The deep groove of Jamie Oldaker’s drums and the pseudo reggae patina just plain work together beautifully. —RS

Rock turned me onto this Reggae Gospel tune. Oh boy, this feels good. It quickly became one of my most shared songs of the year. Relax, enjoy, and let EC and the band carry you home. -JS

Jeff Lynne: “Telephone Line (Acoustic)” Play this track

Further proof that a good song’s always good if it can be played acoustically and get you excited. Jeff Lynne’s stripped-down take on one of ELO’s most cleverly produced hit songs does just that. -RS
As we’ve said many times before, a good song needs but a guitar (or a piano in this case) and a voice to make its point. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if you start with a song as good as this. -JS

Randy Newman: “The Story of a Rock and Roll Band” Play this track

Of course, Randy’s “history” of the Electric Light Orchestra as sung here is completely, absurdly fictional … but does that matter? Hell no. You can tell he really does “love that ELO.” – RS
Storytelling as only RN can. I laugh out loud every time I hear this one. And when I’m not laughing, I’m smiling. I’d say Randy’s sense of humor is Todd-esque on this ditty. -JS

Vulfmon (Featuring Jacob Jeffries): “How Much Do You Love Me?” Play this track

This is my song of the year and lyric of the year. The second time you hear it, the reaction will likely be, oh, I know this song. I sent it to my buddy Pat. He called and immediately sang the chorus back to me. The piano part and the simulated sound of the Fender Rhoads have that “Minute by Minute” vibe. The lyrics are silly and the vocal delivery on the whiny side. At 2:23 Jeffries cracks himself up. I smiled throughout and then pressed play again. -JS

Larkin Poe: “Sometimes” Play this track

Piano and voice can be foundational. Guitar and voice as well. In this case it’s handclaps and voice. Repetition as a mantra is no longer exclusively the realm of Van Morrison. Larkin Poe (Rebecca and Megan Lovell) start with a simple frame and build to a hot drumline Trombone Shorty vibe. -JS

10cc: “Rubber Bullets” Play this track

Jailhouse Rock with a sense of humor. I’m detecting a theme running through this part of NHT. It’s music that makes me smile. -JS

Michael Jackson & Ted Nugent: “Hey Baby Am I Black or White” Play this track

What we have here is a funky music bed by Ted Nugent and the vocals of Michael Jackson. Strange bedfellows making for some great music. -JS

The Beatles: “If I Fell (a cappella)” Play this track

Choral music of the first degree. -JS

Elton John: “Better Off Dead” Play this track

This is one of my all-time favorite Elton John songs from one of my favorite Elton John albums, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. Everything about it makes me jubilant. My god … Those drums! -RS

U2: “Desire” Play this track

They channel the Sun Records vibe here. They recorded this at Sun Studio in Memphis. -RS
Son of Bo Diddley. -JS

Fleetwood Mac: “Black Magic Woman” Play this track

Peter Green in his prime as a songwriter, guitarist, and singer. Say no more. -RS
Here is a bit of a conversation John Stix had with Carlos Santana:
JS: When was the first time you heard “Black Magic Woman?”
CS: It was in Fresno, California, at a soundcheck. Gregg Rollie brought the cassette in and said, “You’ll really like this song.” He wanted to know if we could try it. I remember I liked the way he (Peter Green in Fleetwood Mac) did it, but I didn’t like it for us. He starts with a different kind of chord in the blues. Now when I listen to it, I like it. But back then I said, “Let’s do something different to it.” So, we started messing around with it and basically put more of a Calypso, African/Cuban thing on it.
JS: But the instrumental melody in the beginning is the same.
CS: The descending Wes Montgomery kind of (vocal) melody is just basically “All Your Love” by Otis Rush. If you take the line “Got a black magic woman” and put in the words “All your lovin’ is lovin’,” you can hear that he changed the chords and made it so it’s not ripping anybody off. It’s like taking a seed and making a different tree with it.

The Black Crowes: “Diamond Ring” Play this track

Badfinger: “Day After Day” Play this track

Badfinger were an excellent ‘70s rock band who were protégées of The Beatles and were signed to that band’s Apple Records label. At one point or another each of The Beatles took a turn producing, writing for, and/or playing with the group. “Day After Day” was Badfinger’s 1971 hit single and was produced by George Harrison, who also handled the trademark slide guitar solo heard here. This was one of several hit records Badfinger produced between 1969 and 1974. -RS

Joni Mitchell: “Help Me (Demo)” Play this track

From the Joni Mitchell Archives 3 collection, which is filled with gems like this. -JS

Beautiful People (Jimi Hendrix): “ If ’60s Were ’90s” Play this track

Swampy and filled with voodoo, this total ”If 6 Were 9” remix is worthy of the Hendrix name. Santana used to use this song to announce the band coming to the stage. -JS

Santana: “Song of The Wind (Quadrophonic Mix)” Play this track

Santana has three indelible guitar instrumentals, “Samba Pa Ti,” “Europa” and “Song of the Wind.” They all demand to be played as they were recorded. To most of us, including me, this sounds like some mighty fine soaring Santana. The fact is Neal Schon starts the tune, Santana does the middle and Neal finishes. I can guess when they switch, but really who cares. This is taken from a quadrophonic surround-sound remix and emphasizes the percussion. The guitar is tucked in just a little bit so you must reach for it. It’s interesting to note that Santana rarely plays the tune live. Perhaps it’s because he wants Neal to be there. Regardless of his absence, this song still soars in the wind. -JS

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Merry Christmas 2023!Tracklist:

1. The Beatles: “1966”
2. Ringo Starr: “Dear Santa”
3. Augie Rios: “Donde Esta Santa Claus”
4. Andy Partridge: “Let There Be Snow”
5. Ed Sheeran & Elton John: “Merry Christmas”
6. Nick Lowe: “Silent Night”
7. Wizzard: “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”
8. Debbie Dabney: “I Want to Spend Christmas With Elvis”
9. Elvis Presley: “Blue Christmas”
10. Phoenix: “Alone on Christmas Day (feat. Bill Murray)”
11. Jethro Tull: “Another Christmas Song”
12. The Four Seasons: “The Excelsis Deo Medley: Deck The Halls / Excelsis Deo / Oh, Come All Ye Faithful”
13. Big Star: “Jesus Christ (Demo)”
14. Bryan Adams: “Christmas Time (Classic Version)”
15. The Everly Brothers: “The First Noel”
16. Ry Cooder: “Christmas In Van Nuys”
17. Joni Mitchell: “Face Lift”
18. Stevie Wonder & Andra Day: “Someday at Christmas”
19. Woody Goss Trio: “Wait for the Moment”
20. Norah Jones: “Christmastime is Here”
21. James Taylor: “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”
22. José Feliciano & Van Halen: “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Feliz Navidad”
23. Brian Slawson: “Concerto in D”
24. Joscho Stephan Trio: “Jingle Bells”
25. Warren Schatz: “Let it Snow”
26. Steve Khan: “In A Silent Way”
27. Justin Johnson: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
28. Rueben James: “A Festive Jam”
29. Corey Henry: “Little Drummer Boy”
30. Don Byron: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies”
31. Andy Timmons Band: “Ave Maria” Please Leave a Comment!



The Beatles: “1966” Play this track

Ringo Starr: “Dear Santa” Play this track

Augie Rios: “Donde Esta Santa Claus” Play this track

Andy Partridge: “Let There Be Snow” Play this track

Ed Sheeran & Elton John: “Merry Christmas” Play this track

Nick Lowe: “Silent Night” Play this track

Wizzard: “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” Play this track

Debbie Dabney: “I Want to Spend Christmas With Elvis” Play this track

Elvis Presley: “Blue Christmas” Play this track

Phoenix: “Alone on Christmas Day (feat. Bill Murray)” Play this track

Jethro Tull: “Another Christmas Song” Play this track

The Four Seasons: “The Excelsis Deo Medley: Deck The Halls / Excelsis Deo / Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” Play this track

Big Star: “Jesus Christ (Demo)” Play this track

Bryan Adams: “Christmas Time (Classic Version)” Play this track

The Everly Brothers: “The First Noel” Play this track

Ry Cooder: “Christmas In Van Nuys” Play this track

Joni Mitchell: “Face Lift” Play this track

Stevie Wonder & Andra Day: “Someday at Christmas” Play this track

Woody Goss Trio: “Wait for the Moment” Play this track

Norah Jones: “Christmastime is Here” Play this track

James Taylor: “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” Play this track

José Feliciano & Van Halen: “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Feliz Navidad” Play this track

Brian Slawson: “Concerto in D” Play this track

Joscho Stephan Trio: “Jingle Bells” Play this track

Warren Schatz: “Let it Snow” Play this track

Steve Khan: “In A Silent Way” Play this track

Justin Johnson: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Play this track

Rueben James: “A Festive Jam” Play this track

Corey Henry: “Little Drummer Boy” Play this track

Don Byron: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” Play this track

Andy Timmons Band: “Ave Maria” Play this track

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Let’s Get It OnTracklist:

1. Fleetwood Mac: “Teen Beat (Outtake) [2016 Remaster] ”
2. The Who: “Tommy Can You Hear Me?”
3. Richard Thompson: “A Legal Matter”
4. Bruce Springsteen: “Born To Run (Isolated Vocals)”
5. Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee Students
   : “Berklee Frank Zappa Tribute – Waka/Jawaka, Inca Roads, Peaches en Regalia, Zomby Woof”
6. Edgar Winter’s White Trash: “Let’s Get It On”
7. The Black Crowes: “ Thick N’ Thin”
8. Jerry Lee Lewis & Friends: “Rock And Roll (Feat. Jimmy Page)’”
9. Bruce Hornsby: “The Way It Is (Live on The Howard Stern Show in 2006)”
10. Fearless Flyers: “Simon F15”
11. Rolling Stones: “Factory Girl (Outtake)”
12. Little Richard: “In The Middle Of The Night”
13. Van Morrison: “Wonderful Remark”
14. Joe Jackson / Cream / Jeff Beck Group / The Animals / Mountain / Jimi Hendrix Experience / Jethro Tull / Edgar Winter: “Five Guys Named Moe / I Feel Free / Rice Pudding / Hey Gyp / Mississippi Queen / Purple Haze / Aqualung / Entrance MASH-UP”
15. Bob Dylan: “Cold Irons Bound (New Version)”
16. Duke Ellington: “Caravan”
17. The Clash: “Rudie Can’t Fail”
18. Nick Lowe: “14 Days (Live)”
19. Paul McCartney: “Singalong Junk”
20. Paul McCartney: “Junk”
21. Christian Sands: “If You’re Happy and You Know it” Let us know byLEAVING A COMMENT!



Fleetwood Mac: “Teen Beat (Outtake) [2016 Remaster] ” Play this track

This is an outtake from Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage album from 1982. Featuring a somewhat unhinged Lindsey Buckingham coaxing Mick Fleetwood and John McVie to follow and enhance his fun romp, this is a simply infectious jam (?) well worth enjoying. So, enjoy. -Rock Stamberg

Sometimes music’s sole purpose is just the fun of playing it. To paraphrase The Beach Boys, “Catch a wave groove and you’re sitting on top of the world.” -John Stix

The Who: “Tommy Can You Hear Me?” Play this track

I heard this tune in the chord changes of “Teen Beat” and said of course this comes next. Same chords different song. -JS

Richard Thompson: “A Legal Matter” Play this track

Just phenomenal. This is the one. -RS

I agree with Rock – this version, not The Who’s original, is the one. -JS

Bruce Springsteen: ” Born To Run (Isolated Vocals)” Play this track

Rock and I often say a great song can be stripped down to just one instrument and a voice. In this case it can be reduced to just a voice. Can you say commitment? -JS

Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee Students: “Berklee Frank Zappa Tribute – Waka/Jawaka, Inca Roads, Peaches en Regalia, Zomby Woof” Play this track

What a final exam performance. Bravo. I give them an A+ -JS

Damn good. Zappa would’ve been proud, I think. -RS

Edgar Winter’s White Trash: “Let’s Get It On” Play this track

Ferocious playing, featuring distorted harmonica, distorted voice, thundering drums, and a message not to be denied. -JS

Edgar Winter is a force to be reckoned with and always has been. -RS

The Black Crowes: “Thick N’ Thin” Play this track

This is rock & roll. Telecaster heaven, courtesy of Rich Robinson. Glorious. -RS

Jerry Lee Lewis & Friends: “Rock And Roll (Feat. Jimmy Page)” Play this track

THIS is rock & roll! Jerry Lee is in fine fettle and Jimmy Page is also in top form. Yes! -RS

Great remake that takes a 70s radio classic and turns it into a 50s style hit .This is what a cover song can be and what a guest shot should be. -JS

Bruce Hornsby: “The Way It Is (Live on The Howard Stern Show in 2006)” Play this track

A great lyric matched with a great composition, matched with great playing. This music was almost too good to be a hit, and yet we made it one. Good for us. -JS

“The Way It Is” is a great song. It always has been and will be. It is not lightweight by any means and this solo take proves its lasting power. Gorgeous. -RS

Fearless Flyers: “Simon F15” Play this track

What a groove, what a move. Guitar, bass, and a drum kit consisting of high hat, bass drum and snare. Everybody is playing lead; everybody is playing rhythm and there is no clutter. Wow! R&B soul jazz for the next generation. -JS

Rolling Stones: “Factory Girl (Outtake)” Play this track

A stripped-down Rolling Stones reminding us just how good they really were.-JS

This is a great outtake from Beggars Banquet. By the way, they’re still a pretty good band, John. -RS

Little Richard: “In The Middle Of The Night” Play this track

This is a perfect song, performance, and recording. It truly gets to me every time I hear it. Manna from heaven. -RS

Van Morrison: “Wonderful Remark” Play this track

Well, this is something special, isn’t it? Written and produced by Robbie Robertson for Martin Scorcese’s audacious King of Comedy from 1983 (a great movie, btw), this is one of Van’s greatest. Really, it is. -RS

My all-time favorite “song from a movie not on another disc.” It marries a Robbie Robertson tune with a Van Morrison vocal showcasing the best of what both had to offer. I got this one the first time I heard it and I still love it. -JS

Joe Jackson / Cream / Jeff Beck Group / The Animals / Mountain / Jimi Hendrix Experience / Jethro Tull / Edgar Winter: “Five Guys Named Moe / I Feel Free / Rice Pudding / Hey Gyp / Mississippi Queen / Purple Haze / Aqualung / Entrance MASH-UP” Play this track

Joe Jackson’s homage to the 1940’s jump blues swing era. It’s just fun. At the end I pulled out my Nakamichi cassette deck and added a bunch of classic rock riffs, finishing with the last section of “Fire and Ice” from Edgar Winter’s Entrance album. This was likely done in 1981. I mean what else are you going to do on a rainy day? -JS

Bob Dylan: “Cold Irons Bound (New Version)” Play this track

From Dylan’s soundtrack to his Masked & Anonymous film circa 2003, this hard-rocking update on an already special song is soulful and intense. I(t’s also just as forceful as the original but in a completely different way. -RS

Never heard this one before Rock pulled it out, but it’s a keeper and truly an NHT song. -JS

Duke Ellington: “Caravan” Play this track

Who knew that Dylan would call out to Ellington (along with Max Roach on the drums and Charles Mingus on the bass) to follow him to the NHT stage? -JS

The Clash: “Rudie Can’t Fail” Play this track

From The Clash’s London Calling album, this funky number swings in a most unusual manner and I love it. -RS

Nick Lowe: “14 Days (Live)” Play this track

I’ve always loved the studio version, but this live take is absolutely killer. I can listen to it anytime and be amazed every time. Seriously great. -RS

I heard this once and it slayed me. What a lyric. -JS

Paul McCartney: “Singalong Junk” Play this track

Paul McCartney: “Junk” Play this track

I never followed the separate Beatles after they broke up. So, the first time I heard this instrumental was on the Almost Famous Soundtrack. I fell in love with the melody and the mood, think wow this is special. Rock educated me as to the song’s history and I feel in love with the vocal version as well. I think this is how the song should be listened to from now on. And it will be, at least on NHT. -JS

We decided to join both takes and I think I did a pretty good job doing so! Oh yeah, great song, too. -RS

Christian Sands: “If You’re Happy and You Know it” Play this track

As I wrote for the opening song, sometimes music can just be fun. A children’s song can be both simplistic and sophisticated in the hands of the right player. Meet Christian Sands, the right player. -JS

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Ooh! My Soul Tracklist: Let us know by LEAVING A COMMENT!    Little Richard: “Ooh! My Soul” This Little Richard screamer is a killer and always will be. Can you imagine what teenagers’ parents must’ve thought if they heard their little ones grooving to this monstrous recording in the ‘50s? I’m so glad this […]

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Getting Better Tracklist: Let us know by LEAVING A COMMENT!    Beatles: “Getting Better – Vocals Only” No matter how you slice ‘em up and whittle ‘em down, every aspect of The Beatles’ strengths always shone through. Such a great lyric, by the way. —Rock Stamberg This track sounds so good, so full, so […]

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Naked in The Jungle Tracklist: Let us know by LEAVING A COMMENT! Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.    Van Morrison: “Naked in the Jungle” I like Van Morrison’s rarely heard raucous side as evidenced on this beauty. He left it in the can […]

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When we put together the final version of NHT for podcasting I look over the tracks and make note of which ones are truly unique. Well, what do you know, this one is batting 1000%. It’s an NHT Hall of Famer. — John StixTracklist:

1. Bruce Springsteen: “Stayin’ Alive”
2. Lowell George: “Two Trains”
3. Vulfpeck: “Rango !!”
4. Eric Clapton: “She Rides”
5. The Beach Boys: “Vegetables”
6. Wings: “Love is Strange”
7. The Meters: “Cissy Strut”
8. Lowell George: “Easy Money”
9. Marvin Gaye and James Jamerson: “What’s Goin’ On”
10. Todd Rundgren: “Just One Victory”
11. Queen: “Crazy Little Things Called Love/We Will Rock You/We are the Champions from Live Aid”
12. The Who: “Cry if You Want”
13. Buddy Miles: “Dreams”
14. Eric Burdon & The Animals: “Monterey” Let us know byLEAVING A COMMENT!

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.



Bruce Springsteen: “Stayin’ Alive” Play this track

Bruce Springsteen is among the finest cover song artists around. His attention to tempo is outstanding. This live take has strings and horns and passion. He totally reinvents and owns this Bee Gee’s classic. This is greatness. And this is why we do NHT. —JS

Lowell George: “Two Trains” Play this track

Little Feat, of course, have performed this song many ways in concert, but nothing, NOTHING sounds like this. The late, great Feat leader Lowell George cooked up this crazy/beautiful arrangement for his lone solo album, Thanks I’ll Eat It Here. Wonderful and weird … then it grabs you. —Rock Stamberg

Salads. The best ones feature multiple ingredients where each element stands alone and mixes well with its buddies in the bowl. Kind of like this groovin’ take on a Little Feat classic where Lowell George ups the bump. Ooh la la. —JS

Vulfpeck: “Rango !!” Play this track

An instrumental take on the same idea as Two Trains. Salads. See above or what Webster’s says about how to move the groove. Ry Cooder isn’t the only guitarist who knows how to shake a lot using very little. How about that Cory Wong! —JS

Vulfpeck never ceases to surprise me with their tuneful and juicy approach to both their original compositions as well as their cover versions of other artists’ tunes. What a masterful bunch of musicians they are. Funky and fun. —RS

Eric Clapton: “She Rides” Play this track

The NHT buzzer goes off with another classic song ,“Let It Rain,” with an alternate set of lyrics. Oh Yeah! —JS

An early version with different lyrics and a different mix. The track still hops, bops, and swings regardless. A good song is always a good song. —RS

The Beach Boys: “Vegetables” Play this track

This is classic Beach Boys from Smiley Smile, the album they put out after Brian Wilson abandoned Smile. Accompanied by a steady, loping bass guitar, the song includes their blowing into bottles plus sounds of vegetables being crunched (Paul McCartney chews celery on this — really). Of course, the singing is impeccable. One of Brian’s weirder songs it nonetheless captures the ear and sticks with you. —RS

Brian Wilson makes the ridiculous sound sublime. I still think it’s a joke, but a damn good one.—JS

Wings: “Love is Strange” Play this track

From Wings’ debut album, Wild Life, comes this unbelievably catchy pseudo-reggae and rock groove. Recorded quickly and spontaneously, Paul McCartney just shines on the loose rockin’ lilt that drives the track along. Originally a hit by Mickey and Sylvia in 1956, this revamped Wings version is stellar. —RS.

I did some Wikipedia digging on this one. The original song was written by Bo Diddley and based on his guitar riff. McCartney was intrigued with reggae and cut this track just to groove on the rhythm. He then realized they could sing “Love is Strange” over the instrumental track. Wow, an early mashup. This track, which Rock picked, would go in my music folder labeled, “What are you doing here?” Aren’t you glad we found it? —JS

The Meters: “Cissy Strut” Play this track

Booker T and the MGs were the sound of soul and groove from Memphis. The Meters were the same for New Orleans. Booker T gave us the instrumental “Green Onions,” The Meters “Cissy Strut.” On this flight, while you may be hooked by the melody, please focus your attention on the drums and know that it’s okay to move around the cabin while listening. — JS

Lowell George: “Easy Money” Play this track

Another tune from Lowell George’s only solo record. I think his version of Rickie Lee Jones’ great tune is the best version out there. A stunner for sure. —RS

Yeah, we do this a lot. We love an artist, head down a path, and low and behold somebody gets a double dip. You certainly don’t want to miss this Rickie Lee Jones classic as it bumps by getting the Louis Jordan treatment. —JS

Marvin Gaye and James Jamerson: “What’s Goin’ On” Play this track

Just the original voice and bass line from this all-time classic. Rock and I often discuss how a great song can be reduced to just voice and guitar, or piano, and now bass. — JS

Todd Rundgren: “Just One Victory” Play this track

First, what an amazing song this is. It was very difficult for John and me to find a live recording worthy of inclusion on an NHT playlist. Todd’s released a lot of live versions of this one, both solo and with Utopia and they’re all over the place in terms of performance and recording quality. Let’s face it, Todd the producer is a treble hog, but I love him anyway. We think we found a winner with this take. —RS

Todd fans know this has been his concert closer for decades. So, there are all kinds of versions to be heard. This one from his live recording of A Wizard, A True Star is my favorite. Which is yours? Before I leave, I want to say that as a music first guy, Todd is my favorite lyricist. —JS

Queen: “Crazy Little Things Called Love/We Will Rock You/We are the Champions from Live Aid” Play this track

Of all the performances at Live Aid, including reunions by Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and CSNY, Queen was hands down the finest. This live television performance made me a Queen fan for life. The best part is that I don’t have to write about it, all you’ve got to do is listen and you’ll agree. —JS

I concur. This performance is what made me dig deeper into Queen’s amazing catalog. —RS

The Who: “Don’t Let Me Down Again” Play this track

Pretty much forgotten, The Who’s 1982 album It’s Hard was meant to be their final record. Anyway, this song closed out the proceedings with a bang. Like, for real. Their power is palpable here. Kenney Jones’ military-style drum figure sets the tone and John Entwistle’s reliably thunderous bass revs the engine then throws the whole shebang into high gear. But just listen to Pete Townshend’s furious electric guitar jabs right into the fade out. A surprisingly mesmerizing jolt from a band some had already given up on. —RS

A great Who song that you don’t know. Isn’t that why you’re here? —JS

Buddy Miles: “Dreams” Play this track

Molly Hatchet used this 4/4 arrangement for their cover of this ABB classic. Now the Allmans were thinking, modal Miles Davis, Kind of Blue when they recorded it in ¾ time. It’s also noted that Dickey Betts did not record on this ABB track. Buddy Miles adds horn and a rockin’ soul groove to this chooglin’ train from 1970. All aboard! —JS

Eric Burdon & The Animals: “Monterey” Play this track

To follow Buddy Miles, we wanted to stay in the late ‘60s musical era. The vinyl 45 rpm single version of “Monterey” does the trick. The song celebrates the classic 1967 music festival (at which The Animals played, by the way) and delivers some of the finest name-dropping lyrics ever written. Plus, there’s some cool electric sitar! We know you’ve been waiting for that. —JS

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I’m Shakin’ by The BlastersTracklist:

1. The Blasters: “I’m Shakin”
2. Bobby King: “Shakespeare Didn’t Write That”
3. Beatles: “I’m Looking Through You”
4. Marshall Crenshaw: “Rockin’ Around NYC”
5. Vulfpeck: “Boogie On Reggae Woman”
6. Carl Perkins and Friends: “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby”
7. Robert Palmer: “Maybe It’s You”
8. Pete Townshend: “Dirty Water”
9. Andy Partridge: “I Gave My Suitcase Away”
10. Harry Nilsson: “You Can’t Do That”
11. Ben Kweller: “I Need You Back”
12. Buckingham/Nicks: “Don’t Let Me Down Again”
13. Deep Purple: “Getting Tighter”
14. Bert Lahr: “King of The Forest (From the Wizard of Oz)”
15. Pete Townshend: “A Friend Is a Friend (Live)”
16. Procol Harum: “Nothing but The Truth”
17. Aretha Franklin: “Wonderful (Acappella)”
18. Stephen Wrembel: “Bistro Fada (From Midnight in Paris)”
19. Paul Simon: “Heart and Bones” Let us know byLEAVING A COMMENT!

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.



The Blasters: “I’m Shakin” Play this track

Isn’t this track amazing? Surely, the vocal, the performance … heck, the vibe are all curiously driven. An unusual track for sure.—Rock Stamberg

When I hear this song, I visually see a hipster “walkin’ the walk,” and the lyrics are “talkin’ the talk.” This could be a song from the Musical “Hades Town.” All I know is shoulders are swingin’ and fingers are poppin’. —John Stix

Bobby King: “Shakespeare Didn’t Write That” Play this track

What a segue. Laid back swing, soulful vocals and Ry Cooder licks. This tune is slippery and wet. I am a sucker for this kind of shuffle, subtle and sweet. —JS

Beatles: “I’m Looking Through You” Play this track

There’s something about this alternate take from Beatles Anthology 2 that’s so alluring. Having heard all the outtakes from various Beatles albums I always figured they picked the right versions to release officially. This take is so good I wonder if it’s the exception. —RS

A stripped-down take that invites you in and you want to stay. This is the kind of track that NHT was made for. —JS

Marshall Crenshaw: “Rockin’ Around NYC” Play this track

Marshall Crenshaw – Rockin’ Around NYC
Music has many functions, one of which is to express and share joy. This song does that for me. Marshall Crenshaw’s debut LP remains a masterpiece of melody, hooks and yes, joy. Are you listening? And are you smiling? My point exactly. —JS

Marshall Crenshaw’s first album should be in your music library. —RS

Vulfpeck: “Boogie On Reggae Woman” Play this track

With just voice and the bass, Vulfpeck own this tune the way Joe Cocker owns his take on “With a Little Help from My Friends.” The second half of the song features a bass and Rhodes piano duet and that kills as well. The last section is a Rhodes / guitar duet. Arranging is king here and it all happened without anybody noticing. —JS

Carl Perkins and Friends: “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” Play this track

Boy this is good. And boy is this a fun listen. They all left their egos at the door. —RS

This one is a two-base hit. First you have one of the best guest bands in memory with Perkins, Ringo, Harrison, Clapton, Edmunds, Setzer and more. They play as a tight and inspired band. The second surprise is that it happened on television. You can marvel at the visual if you see it or the music as you hear it, or both. Any way you come out at this, it’s a hit. —JS

Robert Palmer: “Maybe It’s You” Play this track

John and I love Robert Palmer’s music. Here’s an obscure one from his Maybe It’s Live partially “live” / partially studio album. Rockin’. —RS

A great rocker I never heard until Rock pulled it out. Talk about a chorus with a hook. This one could land Moby Dick. —JS

Pete Townshend: “Dirty Water” Play this track

This is a demo? Kenney Jones’ drums here are among the best he ever contributed to The Who camp post-Keith Moon, in my opinion. He just pushes this excellent abandoned track hard. —RS

PT doing his Tulsa rock. This could have been Dire Straits or Dave Edmunds, or a certain time in EC’s career. Townshend is rockin’ and I’m there with him. Great drumming. —JS

Andy Partridge: “I Gave My Suitcase Away” Play this track

A pure pop masterpiece. XTC’s Andy Partridge can really write ‘em. —RS

This reminds me of the Squeeze school of songwriting. It could have been a hit, but it wasn’t. —JS

Harry Nilsson: “You Can’t Do That” Play this track

A love letter to the Fab Four. —JS

This is the one that caught The Beatles’ collective attention. They dubbed Harry Nilsson as their favorite group. —RS

Ben Kweller: “I Need You Back” Play this track

I just love BK’s music. Master songwriter, strong performer. This is just a taste of his prowess. —RS

Buckingham/Nicks: “Don’t Let Me Down Again” Play this track

So good that Fleetwood Mac put this song into their live repertoire immediately after welcoming Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks into the fold. —RS

Another great Tulsa shuffle. —JS

Deep Purple: “Getting Tighter” Play this track

Betcha didn’t know this was Deep Purple, did ya? From 1975’s Come Taste the Band, the only album on which the late guitarist Tommy Bolin appeared. —RS

Bert Lahr: “King of The Forest (From the Wizard of Oz)” Play this track

Where we finally get the answer to the question, “What puts the ape in Apricot?” —JS

Pete Townshend: “A Friend Is a Friend (Live)” Play this track

I love both the message of the lyric and how it is delivered. This is from my “Best Performances” folder. —JS

John and I loved this song (the studio version) when we first heard it back in 1989. Great song, great message. —RS

Procol Harum: “Foxy Lady (Live)” Play this track

The opening track to 1974’s Exotic Birds and Fruit album, this is a truly epic Procol Harum track with, of course, an amazing Gary Brooker lead vocal. —RS

Aretha Franklin: “Wonderful (Acappella)” Play this track

She was born with these pipes and knew how to use them. Aren’t we lucky. Check out the scat at the end of the tune. —JS

Stephen Wrembel: “Bistro Fada (From Midnight in Paris)” Play this track

Love this lilting guitar waltz. At times it has a drunken, behind-the-beat move that effortlessly slides back into place. —JS

Paul Simon: “Heart and Bones” Play this track

A beautiful and unusually autobiographical song about Paul Simon’s brief marriage to Carrie Fisher. The entire Hearts and Bones album is stellar and worth checking out. —RS

I place this in my Familiar Flags in Foreign Places folder. A well-known artist doing a song that is not a “hit” and the song deserves more recognition. A song made for NHT. —JS

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This is a tribute to Jeff BeckTracklist:

1. Jeff Beck: “Where Were You”
2. Jeff Beck: “Plynth (Water Down the Drain)”
3. Jeff Beck: “Shapes of Things”
4. Jeff Beck: “Beck’s Boogie”
5. Jeff Beck: “Going Down”
6. Jeff Beck: “Superstition”
7. Jeff Beck: “Situation’”
8. Jeff Beck: “You Know What I Mean”
9. Jeff Beck: “Looking for Another Pure Love”
10. Jeff Beck: “Brush with the Blues”
11. Jeff Beck: “Remember Walking in the Sand”
12. Jeff Beck: “I Ain’t Superstitious”
13. Jeff Beck: “Where Were You”
14. Jeff Beck: “The Revolution Will Be Televised”
15. Jeff Beck: “Foxy Lady”
16. Jeff Beck: “Space For The Papa”
17. Jeff Beck: “Danny Boy” Like what you hear?Let us know byLEAVING A COMMENT!

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.



Jeff Beck: “Where Were You” Play this track

This is an excerpt from a tape I made at Jeff’s house. I spent a day with Jeff at his home in England. We were talking about music for hours. At one point I asked him if the song “Where Were You” had some box or effect on the guitar to make it sound like a voice. He answered by picking up a Strat, plugging it into a small Fender amp and playing for me. This is part of what he played. —John Stix

Jeff Beck: “Plynth (Water Down the Drain)” Play this track

This has always been my go-to Jeff Beck Group song. Riffing and funky with all the parts sounding separate but fully integrated. I once asked Jeff what gets him going musically. The answer was a good drummer. Listen to Mickey Waller play funky, yet tight and loose at the same time. He reminds me of Mitch Mitchell in the Jimi Hendrix Experience or Keith Moon in The Who. The other special sauce in Jeff’s bands have been keyboard players. Nicky Hopkins, Max Middleton, and Jan Hammer all defined different eras of Jeff’s playing. In this track I think Nicky Hopkins’ acoustic piano is the glue that holds it all together. Jeff’s playing is on the crazy side. His guitar lines are his alone. This is not recycled blues. His is a unique voice that sounds familiar. Jimi Hendrix had this quality too. Both Jeff and Jimi spoke a different language, yet we understood them immediately. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Shapes of Things” Play this track

The Jeff Beck group live in the U. S. I saw this band at the Schaefer Music Festival at Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park. I found a boot of the exact concert I attended. I recall that the band was introduced by disc jockey Allison Steele and as she left the stage either Rod or Jeff gave a pelvic thrust in her direction. They were raucous, and rough and rockin’, just as they are here.—JS

Jeff Beck: “Beck’s Boogie” Play this track

This recording is live from the same U. S. tour. You get both Jeff’s enormous love of Les Paul and his own wacky sense of humor. Notice how he plays in the pocket and delivers every note with conviction. He is a master of nuance, dynamics, and silence, yet his playing can be described as giddy. How about you name another solo that quotes the TV. theme from “The Beverly Hillbillies.” —JS

Jeff Beck: “Going Down” Play this track

This is from a live performance by the second Jeff Beck Group. The studio version on theJeff Beck Group album identified as the Orange album (because of the orange on the cover) has been a jam staple for rock bands for decades. When most bands play it, they lean on the heavy riff and pound it out. This version, my favorite by far, leans on the acoustic piano of Max Middleton for swing and push. Jeff is basically a guest on the track, adding accents and colorful jabs. This is how the song should be played live.—JS

Jeff Beck: “Superstition” Play this track

This is from Stevie Wonder’s performance at the 25th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concert at MSG. I was there and it was fabulous. As I understand it Jeff was tooling around on the drums and Stevie Wonder took that drum riff and used it to start the song. There are countless versions of this tune and this is among my top three. Jeff is not a jammer, so this situation is perfect for his brand of boxing. He hits you straight in the face and when you’re not looking. Stevie Wonder and his band are not slouches either. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Situation” Play this track

Taken from the Rough and Ready album. This was the second Jeff Beck Group and they nailed it on this, the first of the two LPs they made together. Jeff told me about when he went to Motown in hopes of recording. He thought he would sit in with the musicians and they would jam out what would become tunes. He got a rude awakening when he found out they read charts, played parts, and did their music on union time. “Situation” is from the soul music groove school. Perhaps this is what he wanted to come out with when he visited Motown studios. —JS

Jeff Beck: “You Know What I Mean” Play this track

This is the opening track from Jeff’s instrumental opus Blow by Blow. Another run at funk, rock, and melody. He never got it together with this tune live, so the studio track is the peak recording of this song. The soloing in this one is Steely Dan-like in its compositional phrasing. When I describe Jeff’s playing as throwing all kinds of punches, this is what I’m talking about. It’s a knockout. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Looking for Another Pure Love” Play this track

This is Jeff guesting on Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book album. One of the sweetest melodic solos ever committed to tape. The subtle rhythm guitar parts are done by another monster guitarist, Buzz Feiten. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Brush with the Blues” Play this track

This is a live track found on the Who Else! recording. Here he is a master of using the common vocabulary in startling and new ways. He is Jeff the storyteller and Jeff the vocalist (he is always the vocalist). Using his own unique phrasing, dynamics, tone, breathing, and going from gentle melody to snarling, Jeff is taking the blues around corners we never knew existed. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Remember Walking in the Sand” Play this track

This is Jeff with Imelda May live at the Iridium. Just another look at Beck’s ever expansive wardrobe. His voice fits in everywhere, in this case 60s girl group pop. —JS

Jeff Beck: “I Ain’t Superstitious” Play this track

If there was one wish from Beck fans, it was that he would do more with Rod Stewart and eventually in 2019 they did reunite in Los Angeles. A longer tour never materialized. At least we have this “I Ain’t Superstitious.” —JS

Jeff Beck: “Where Were You” Play this track

This comes from Jeff Beck Performing This Week … Live at Ronnie Scotts. Here is Jeff’s pure singing voice, expressive, ethereal, and uncopyable. Ronnie Scott’s is hands-down his best live recording. He left us a lot to explore and enjoy. In fact, that’s what he did throughout his entire career. He was an explorer who enjoyed looking beyond what he had just done. Like other truly great artists such as Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, and Joni Mitchell, you can like or dislike Jeff Beck’s music based on the era and what he was doing at a particular time. Me, I love all of it. And while I will miss him, he left plenty of trails for me to keep following. —JS

Jeff Beck: “The Revolution Will Be Televised” Play this track

Rough ‘n tough Jeff Beck. Betcha didn’t know this one. Hot AF. -Rock Stamberg

Jeff Beck: “Foxy Lady” Play this track

An unlikely live treat from Mick Jagger and Jeff. He’d played all over Jagger’s unremarkable first two solo albums and were going to tour together. This warts ‘n all performance showcases the best of their collaborations I’ve ever heard. Again, when Jeff gets motorizin’ you’d best get outta his way. —RS

Jeff Beck: “Space For The Papa” Play this track

I’ve loved this track since Jeff’s Who Else! Album was first released in 1999. I played it in my car endlessly. On a cassette tape. Yes, cassette. —RS

Jeff Beck: “Danny Boy” Play this track

Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck both adore this song to pieces. This is one of the different versions they performed on their joint tour in the fall of 2013. This version endures. —RS

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The Who’s Guitar and Pen hails from their 1978 Who Are You album, the last one with Keith Moon on drums.Tracklist:

1. The Who: “Guitar And Pen”
2. The Beach Boys: “Heroes and Villains (A Cappella)”
3. Todd Rundgren & Jeff Baxter: “Something To Fall Back On”
4. Allen Toussaint: “Cast Your Fate To The Wind”
5. The Doobie Brothers: “You’re Made That Way”
6. Sly & The Family Stone: “Everyday People”
7. Bee Gees: “Jive Talkin’”
8. Yes: “Roundabout”
9. Vulfpeck, Bernard Purdie & Cory Henry: “VULF TWO Super Groove”
10. Little Feat: “Mercenary Territory”
11. Bob Marley & The Wailers: “No Woman, No Cry (Live)”
12. Paul Simon: “American Tune”
13. Richard Tee: “Happy Birthday”
14. Jethro Tull: “The Whistler (2003 Remastered Version”
15. The Beatles: “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” Like what you hear?Let us know byLEAVING A COMMENT!

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.



The Who: “Guitar And Pen” Play this track

When I first filled my iPod, I avoided the obvious versions of the obvious songs. No “Purple Haze,” “Light My Fire,” or “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” I even started a folder called Familiar Flag in Foreign Places. It housed great songs by classic artists that never get attention. One of the first songs in this folder was “Guitar and Pen.” It’s got all the hooks and sounds of a classic Who song, it just never got the airplay – until now. —John Stix

“Guitar and Pen” is a quintessential Who track, even though it’s not famous and it came at the end of the Keith Moon era. Pete Townshend’s composing and arranging talents shine brightly — as does his crackling guitar. This song’s sort of like a journey. —Rock Stamberg

The Beach Boys: “Heroes and Villains (A Cappella)” Play this track

Rock and I often say that a great song can be boiled down to just a guitar (or piano) and voice. This must be even greater than great, because all the elements of the tune can be gleaned from just the voices alone. —JS

What is left to say about Brian Wilson’s harmonization genius, which runs wild here. You can really hear what unbelievable vocalists The Beach Boys were (are). They serve him well here. —RS

Todd Rundgren & Jeff Baxter: “Something To Fall Back On” Play this track

Todd has tried his songs as lounge singles (please don’t go there), as fully orchestrated renditions, and in this case, he gives his master vocal over to guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter who reshapes the song into pure pop with cool guitar. A most worthy reinvention indeed. —JS

If you like this song, check out Todd’s original a cappella version on his album called … A Cappella. -RS

Allen Toussaint: “Cast Your Fate To The Wind” Play this track

The original tune, by Vince Guaraldi (composer of the Peanuts tv specials) made it to 22 on the Billboard charts in 1963. Allen covers it as originally played. My favorite cover is on the James Gang second album. Check out “The Bomber.” No matter who plays it, there is a “Peanuts” vibe that warms the heart. This is an unexpected treat that Rock found. —JS

This always gets me. Every time. -RS

The Doobie Brothers: “You’re Made That Way” Play this track

Kicking off the album Living On the Fault Line, is a classic Fender Rhodes sound, a gospel funk feel and one of the best Michael McDonald vocals. This is exactly the kind of song that made him one of the most popular singers of the 70s. There were no hits from this album, which made it a music geeks treasure. There were a ton of great songs on here, they just didn’t get played on the radio. So what, this is how legends are born. —JS

Y’know, to hell with terms like “Yacht Rock” and whatever. Lol. I dig old school Michael McDonald. And this is a really good song. -RS

Sly & The Family Stone: “Everyday People” Play this track

One of the great message songs of all time. Why? Because it delivers the “talk” nestled in killer hooks, groove, vocal melodies, and instrumentation. —JS

Everyday People is an awesome song. One for the ages. One World indeed. -RS

Bee Gees: “Jive Talkin” Play this track

This is undeniably cool, as are many Bee Gees songs. These guys knew how to write songs and make ‘em as funky – yes, funky – as they pleased. The Bee Gees are so underrated. This is a hot little number. -RS

Yes: “Roundabout” Play this track

If there is one song to define Prog-rock music, this is it. Sophisticated vocals and instrumental parts intertwine to make a musical stew that enthralls the listener for over eight minutes. This is music that does truly dance and sing. —JS

Firstly, I really love Yes. Roundabout is actually the first song of theirs I heard. I was intrigued and later, hooked. Chris Squire’s bass playing! Chris Squire’s trademark Rickenbacker bass sound! Oh my gawd. -RS

Vulfpeck, Bernard Purdie & Cory Henry: “VULF TWO Super Groove” Play this track

This is still the most used track I put on any mixed disc. Some band member(s) of the band Vulfpeck put these two disparate recordings together. First, we have drum god Bernard Purdie. He has been king of the groove for artists like Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck and Steely Dan. Here he is giving a clinic and telling the story of how he developed his signature beats. The second part of the mashup is an organ shout by Cory Henry. He was a featured band member of Snarky Puppy and currently leads his own band, The Funk Apostles. While he is an overall keyboard master, this piece shows off why he is my favorite organ player. These two different pieces of music played simultaneously amounts to some serious funk and a lot of joy. As Roland Kirk would say, “Bright Moments.” —JS

Vulfpeck and their friends always conjure some serious stuff. -RS

Little Feat: “Mercenary Territory” Play this track

After the Vulfpeck mashup, the next song called for some serious musical interplay, groove and soul. Is there another band so equipped than Little Feat? If so, you must let me know. —JS

What he said. I love me some Little Feat, anytime, anywhere, any anything. -RS

Bob Marley & The Wailers: “No Woman, No Cry (Live)” Play this track

This is an “Oh Yeah” live album. Name me some of the great live albums? You get The Allman Brothers Band at the Fillmore, The Who’s Live at Leeds, and The Band’s Rock of Ages. And if you forget to mention Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Live and someone else brings it up, you say, “Oh Yeah.” This is a prayer in a song. —JS

Majestic. Ethereal. Beautiful. -RS

Paul Simon: “American Tune” Play this track

One of Paul’s best, and to think it started out as a writing assignment. Paul turned a Bach Choral into an iconic American Tune. This would have made a great S&G song. —JS

Simply put, this is the one. Forget the overstuffed studio take, go instead for this solo live performance from 1974’s Live Rhymin’. Better yet, check out the whole album. You’ll thank me, I promise. -RS

Richard Tee: “Happy Birthday” Play this track

One of Paul’s best, and to think it started out as a writing assignment. Paul turned a Bach Choral into an iconic American Tune. This would have made a great S&G song. —JS

Jethro Tull: “The Whistler (2003 Remastered Version” Play this track

Another from my Familiar Flags folder. When was the last time you discovered a new Jethro Tull classic. Well, listen to this. —JS

Jethro Tull often gets short shrift. While I am definitely not a flute lover, I still like much of their music and always get each new record, hoping for a late-period gem. Anyway, this is a song I really like. -RS

The Beatles: “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” Play this track

How good were The Beatles as a band? This good! —JS

Just riveting. The power of those four guys together in one room is incredible. This is an amazing listen to The Beatles putting out musically. Each one of them shines throughout. Just listen. Bliss. -RS

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A Tribute to Christine McVieTracklist:

1. Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie: “Feel About You”
2. Fleetwood Mac: “Sugar Daddy”
3. Fleetwood Mac : “Spare Me A Little Of Your Love”
4. Fleetwood Mac : “Prove Your Love”
5. Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie: “Red Sun”
6. Fleetwood Mac: “Show Me A Smile”
7. Fleetwood Mac: “Think About Me”
8. Fleetwood Mac: “Wish You Were Here”
9. Fleetwood Mac: “Dissatisfied”
10. Fleetwood Mac: “The Way I Feel”
11. Christine McVie: “One In A Million”
12. Christine McVie/Fleetwood Mac: “Songbird (Orchestral Version)”
13. Christine McVie: “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” Like what you hear?Let us know byLEAVING A COMMENT!

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.



Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie: “Feel About You” Play this track

The duet album this song comes from what was actually going to be Fleetwood Mac’s next album. Christine, Lindsey, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie all showed up to play and it was Christine’s grand reintroduction back into the fold after many years away.

Fleetwood Mac : “Sugar Daddy” Play this track

Christine always wrote great lyrics. From 1975’s Fleetwood Mac (a/k/a their “White Album”).

Fleetwood Mac : “Spare Me A Little Of Your Love” Play this track

One of my all-time favorite recordings by anybody, this is a beautifully restored recording from 1972’s majestic Bare Trees album.

Fleetwood Mac : “Prove Your Love” Play this track

An unknown and obscure track from 1974’s Heroes Are Hard To Find.

Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie: “Red Sun” Play this track

Another gem from the Lindsey/Christine duet project, which, by the way, was my favorite album from 2017.

Fleetwood Mac: “Show Me A Smile” Play this track

Christine’s first song with Fleetwood Mac. From 1971’s Future Games.

Fleetwood Mac: “Think About Me” Play this track

This may be my favorite Fleetwood Mac track. From 1979’s masterpiece, Tusk.

Fleetwood Mac: “Wish You Were Here” Play this track

Just listen to Lindsey Buckingham’s beautiful arrangement and plaintive guitar playing at the end. Christine has never played straight piano with such pounding authority. The final track on 1982’s Mirage record.

Fleetwood Mac: “Dissatisfied” Play this track

A real rocker from 1973’s “out in the ozone” album (Christine’s words). Penguin was one of my first Fleetwood Mac albums. I just love the cover art. Like, big time.

Fleetwood Mac: “The Way I Feel” Play this track

A real beaut from 1973’s excellent Mystery To Me album.

Christine McVie: “One In A Million” Play this track

This is a duet with Steve Winwood and appeared on Christine’s eponymously titled second (or was it first?) solo album, which was released in 1984. Christine apparently disowned her actual debut, 1970’s Christine Perfect (her maiden name). She only recorded one more solo record, 2004’s In The Meantime, which she made during her 16-year sabbatical (1998 to 2014) from Fleetwood Mac.

Christine McVie/Fleetwood Mac: “Songbird (Orchestral Version)” Play this track

Earlier this year Christine assembled a collection of her solo material called Songbird. This track, however, is from Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 Rumours blockbuster. The catch is that she stripped away the song’s instrumentation and put her original vocal together with a full orchestra.

Christine McVie: “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” Play this track

This is a one-off cover song Christine cut for a 1996 film called A Fine Mess. This one gets to me, especially now.

A special thanks to Rory Nolan

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Tracklist: Check out Todd Rundgren’s new Christmas song! Like what you hear? Let us know by LEAVING A COMMENT! Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.  The Beatles: “1965” Huey “Piano” Smith & The Clowns: “All I Want For Christmas (is a little music)” The […]

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Check out this month’s satisfying Songs About Food set for more aural treats.

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In this episode: Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and a Stephen Stills Demo

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In this episode: The Beatles Unadorned, Tom Petty x Eddie Vedder, and a Rare Steely Dan Demo

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In this episode: The Beatles Unadorned, Tom Petty x Eddie Vedder, and a Rare Steely Dan Demo

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“Sultans of Swing” Stripped Down, Chicago Live in Japan (and in Japanese) and Eddie Van Halen on acoustic.

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The Featured Track is “What I Really Want for Christmas” by Brian Wilson • Hear it on our just-posted Christmas 2020 playlist on NOW HEAR THIS, the music podcast hosted by Rock Stamberg & John Stix

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The Featured Track is “Ace in the Hole” by Paul Simon • Hear it on our just-posted “Ace in the Hole” playlist on NOW HEAR THIS, the music podcast hosted by Rock Stamberg & John Stix

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Today’s Featured Track is “Gotta Get Up” by Harry Nilsson • Nilsson’s first “rock” song • What a voice! • Hear it on our just-posted “Gotta Get Up” playlist on NOW HEAR THIS, the music podcast hosted by Rock Stamberg & John Stix

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Listen to The Who masterpiece that didn't make Who's Next, Simon & Garfunkel's spoken-word "Breakup," a cool Jackson 5 remix, and much more.

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Did you know that Blood, Sweat and Tears played Woodstock? Of course not. They weren’t in the movie or on the LPs. But at the time of the festival they were the biggest band on the charts.

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In the world of Jeff Beck fans, Truth and Blow by Blow are the universal keystones. To a much smaller cadre of fans, Rough and Ready completes the pyramid

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Tracklist: Like what you hear? Let us know by LEAVING A COMMENT! Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices. John Stix’s Song Notes: JAMES TAYLOR: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” JT has done a good amount of Christmas music. Much of it is too slick […]